Abstract: The invention is a system component which may be installed in systems used to, in an automated fashion, acquire and process identification data from sources such as drivers licenses. The novel component is typically installed between the reader and the processing unit of such systems. Preferably the novel component replaces the cabling between the reader and processing unit. In this configuration, the component adds an electronic module placed serially in the cable. The electronics module accepts raw data from the reader in a variety of formats, and decodes and re-formats the data in a pre-determined format understood by the processing unit. Thus the novel component allows the system to accept multiple data formats without extensive re-programming of the processing unit.

Abstract: Multi-spectral UV illuminators which can be used in common identification document authentication scenarios have been developed. These illuminators allow the use of multiple UV inks that respond to illumination at differing spectral frequencies to be printed into patterns. Such patterns make possible the production of ID documents which are more secure and harder to counterfeit.

Abstract: A multi-spectral Ultraviolet (UV) illuminator is described. The illuminator allows for the convenient reading of authentication patterns formed by UV inks. The novel illuminator is usable with inks of different spectral responses, allowing for reading many types of patterns with one device. The illuminator further provides the capability of producing multiple UV frequency illumination sequences, allowing for more complex, harder-to-counterfeit, authentication markings, such as animated patterning.

Abstract: The invention is a system component which may be installed in systems used to, in an automated fashion, acquire and process identification data from sources such as drivers licenses. The novel component is typically installed between the reader and the processing unit of such systems. Preferably the novel component replaces the cabling between the reader and processing unit. In this configuration, the component adds an electronic module placed serially in the cable. The electronics module accepts raw data from the reader in a variety of formats, and decodes and re-formats the data in a pre-determined format understood by the processing unit. Thus the novel component allows the system to accept multiple data formats without extensive re-programming of the processing unit.