Abstract: A method and a system are disclosed for processing a banknote. The method includes providing a banknote having at least one photonically active security feature, the banknote being moved along a conveyance path; illuminating the at least one security feature with light from a stimulus source; identifying a location of the at least one security feature by detecting an emission from the security feature; directing an excitation source at the identified location; illuminating the at least security feature with light from the excitation source; and detecting a further emission from the photonically active security feature in response to the light from the excitation source. Further the process includes the step of analyzing the shape and size of each object within an image during the search phase to determine if the object has the expected physical attributes of the real feature.

Abstract: A method and a system are disclosed for processing a banknote. The method includes providing a banknote having at least one photonically active security feature, the banknote being moved along a conveyance path; illuminating the at least one security feature with light from a stimulus source; identifying a location of the at least one security feature by detecting an emission from the security feature; directing an excitation source at the identified location; illuminating the at least security feature with light from the excitation source; and detecting a further emission from the photonically active security feature in response to the light from the excitation source. Further the process includes the step of analyzing the shape and size of each object within an image during the search phase to determine if the object has the expected physical attributes of the real feature.

Abstract: Systems and methods of providing a covert security marking for items such as documents, packaging, credit cards, and other valuable goods to combat the steady increase in forgery, counterfeiting, and other fraudulent activities is presented. A spectrally narrow, near infrared ink system serves as the basis of a covert security feature for items of value. Alternatively, or in combination, metal oxides having a substantially narrow absorption band and a maximum absorption wavelength of electromagnetic radiation in the near infrared range are also utilized.

Abstract: Systems and methods of providing a covert security marking for items such as documents, packaging, credit cards, and other valuable goods to combat the steady increase in forgery, counterfeiting, and other fraudulent activities is presented. A spectrally narrow, near infrared ink system serves as the basis of a covert security feature for items of value. Alternatively, or in combination, metal oxides having a substantially narrow absorption band and a maximum absorption wavelength of electromagnetic radiation in the near infrared range are also utilized.

Abstract: A method and a system are disclosed for processing a banknote. The method includes providing a banknote having at least one photonically active security feature, the banknote being moved along a conveyance path; illuminating the at least one security feature with light from a stimulus source; identifying a location of the at least one security feature by detecting an emission from the security feature; directing an excitation source at the identified location; illuminating the at least security feature with light from the excitation source; and detecting a further emission from the photonically active security feature in response to the light from the excitation source. The step of identifying may include operating a linescan camera having scan axis that is parallel to a conveyance axis, or a scan axis that is perpendicular to the conveyance axis.

Abstract: A method and a system are disclosed for processing a banknote. The method includes providing a banknote having at least one photonically active security feature, the banknote being moved along a conveyance path; illuminating the at least one security feature with light from a stimulus source; identifying a location of the at least one security feature by detecting an emission from the security feature; directing an excitation source at the identified location; illuminating the at least security feature with light from the excitation source; and detecting a further emission from the photonically active security feature in response to the light from the excitation source. The step of identifying may include operating a linescan camera having scan axis that is parallel to a conveyance axis, or a scan axis that is perpendicular to the conveyance axis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for determining a location of a coated region on a braided structure. The system includes at least one light source for illuminating the braided structure and at least one detector for detecting an optical contrast between the braided structure and the coated region. A data processor may be provided for determining the location of the coated region based on the detected optical contrast. The light source may be an ultraviolet light source, and the detector detects a fluorescent emission from at least one strand or filament, e.g. a monofilament, that forms a part of the braided structure. More specifically, the detector detects at least one of a reduction or an increase in a fluorescent emission from the least one filament, where the reduction and/or the increase is due to the presence of the coated region that overlies the at least one filament.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying articles is disclosed. The method includes steps of: (a) providing a plurality of articles, each of the articles having at least one portion that includes a photonically active material; (b) for each article, illuminating the at least one portion with light from a stimulus source; (c) identifying a location of the at least one portion by detecting an emission from the photonically active material; (d) pointing an excitation source at the identified location; and (e) illuminating the at least one portion within the identified location with light from the excitation source. A next step detects an information-encoded emission from the photonically active material in response to the light from the excitation source. An optional step (g) sorts the articles based on the detected emission.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying articles is disclosed. The method includes steps of: (a) providing a plurality of articles, each of the articles having at least one portion that includes a photonically active material; (b) for each article, illuminating the at least one portion with light from a stimulus source; (c) identifying a location of the at least one portion by detecting an emission from the photonically active material; (d) pointing an excitation source at the identified location; and (e) illuminating the at least one portion within the identified location with light from the excitation source. A next step detects an information-encoded emission from the photonically active material in response to the light from the excitation source. An optional step (g) sorts the articles based on the detected emission.