Abstract: The invention provides a security document having a transparent window, the security document comprising: a transparent polymeric substrate; an infrared-absorbent composition coated on or incorporated within the substrate at the window, the infrared-absorbent composition comprising particles of doped or Magnéli phase tungsten oxide.

Abstract: A hybrid security device for security documents and the like, with the microstructure for a first optically variable device (OVD) and the microstructure for a second OVD mutually interlace or interspersed. The first microstructure has a height profile that differs from that of the second microstructure by more than 0.5 microns. Suitable fabrication processes for the hybrid security device are also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical device for authenticating articles of value, the optical device including: a first diffractive structure for generating a first diffractive image; a second diffractive structure for generating a second diffractive image; and a non-diffractive structure; wherein, the first and second diffractive structures, and the non-diffractive structure, are positioned relative to each other such that when viewed from a first angle, both the first and second diffractive images are visible, and when viewed from a second angle, the first diffractive image is visible while the second diffractive image is not visible.

Abstract: A hybrid security device for security documents and the like, with the microstructure for a first optically variable device (OVD) and the microstructure for a second OVD mutually interlace or interspersed. The first microstructure has a height profile that differs from that of the second microstructure by more than 0.5 microns. Suitable fabrication processes for the hybrid security device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A security document is formed from a transparent plastics substrate having opacifying layers applied to its front and rear surfaces except in at least one window region. A diffractive device provided in the window region, the diffractive device operating in the near infrared (NIR) region of the electromagnetic spectrum, whereby when the security document is passed through an edge detection apparatus that operates in the near infrared (NIR) region, the diffractive device diverts a detector beam of edge detection apparatus away from an edge detector used to detect an edge of the security document, thereby avoiding false positive edge detection results.

Abstract: Lighting units (22) in a room (20) are controlled automatically and remotely in response to motion sensor modules (26) located to cover the area of the room (20). A sensor module (26) detecting movement transmits a radio signal to a controller module (28), which then transmits a corresponding control signal to the responder modules (24), causing them to switch their associated lighting units on and then increase their brightness to a preset level. The system includes an emergency lighting responder module (32) to switch on emergency lighting (34) if mains power fails and is also responsive to ambient light level. Each of the controller module (28), the sensor modules (26) and the responder modules (24) include a radio transceiver and all control and management signals are transmitted from location to location by radio. Other sensor modules (responsive to different variables) and responder modules may be added to build up a wireless building management system.

Abstract: A hotel floor comprises rooms each provided with a central heating radiator having a valve adjustable by means of a 0-10V dc stepper motor. In the hotel lobby a sensor for ambient temperature is connected to a radio transmitter and radio receivers are connected to the stepper motors in each room. If the ambient temperature falls, the transmitter transmits to the receivers a signal representing the lower temperature, and the stepper motors open the valves. If the temperature rises, the transmitter transmits another signal, and the stepper motors close the valves. Thus, the heat output of the radiators is varied in inverse relation to the ambient temperature. The system may otherwise control lighting fittings by way of dimming ballasts, and may also include person-detectors, timers and further control components.

Abstract: A gaze point tracking apparatus is provided having a comparator that receives a video signal corresponding to an eye image or a beacon image. The comparator produces a processed video signal that consists of two signal levels. A video processor detects and measures transitions between the two signal levels. The detected transitions are used to determine the location of a gaze point on a display.

Abstract: A gaze point tracking apparatus is provided having a comparator that receives a video signal corresponding to an eye image or a beacon image. The comparator produces a processed video signal that consists of two signal levels. A video processor detects and measures transitions between the two signal levels. The detected transitions are used to determine the location of a gaze point on a display.