Abstract: A method of authenticating objects is disclosed. At least one object having a print region with printed material contained thereon is provided. The printed material of the print region includes a layer of non-visible indicia which emits at least one wavelength of light outside a visible range of an electromagnetic spectrum when stimulated with electromagnetic radiation. An optical image of the object is recorded with an imaging device to make the non-visible indicia perceivable to a human eye. The perceived image is then compared against expected authentication indicia to authenticate the object. A system for authenticating objects includes at least one imaging device to record optical images of objects having a layer of non-visible indicia and to render the non-visible indicia perceivable to a human eye. The system also includes a central authentication system in communication with the imaging device to receive optical images recorded by the imaging device.

Abstract: A copier includes a scanner for obtaining a digital image of a printed document and a printer for producing a copy of the scanned document. The copier is configured to identify coded data incorporated in the scanned document, the coded data indicating an identity of the scanned document. The printer reproduces the scanned document including second coded data indicative of an identity of the copy of the document. The copier has a network interface for transmitting and receiving the identity data from a server on a network where the identity data is stored.

Abstract: A viewer (100) is provided which senses machine-readable coded data (202), decodes the coded data (202), transmits the decoded data to a computer system, and receives in response from the computer system display data for display on a screen (102) and/or for playback via a speaker (106).

Abstract: A system and method of controlling a printing operation using information printed on paper or similar material. Information data is input via an input processor, such as a computer, and the information data is converted to a descriptive indicia, which can be printed on a data card. The data card can be used with a peripheral device, such as a printer to allow access to a data, such as a print job.

Abstract: Atomic virtual document generation and tagging is described. A virtual article that is intelligible to a digital processing system is generated from a physical materiality. The physical materiality is marked with an identifier. The virtual article is tagged with a tag that corresponds to the identifier. The generating of the virtual article, the marking of the physical materiality, and the tagging of the virtual article occur at substantially the same time.

Abstract: A method for printing a large invisible luminescent bar code on a mail piece addresses the problem of obscuration of modules by printed text such as the address. The bar code is printed large enough so that the line width of the characters is substantially less than the module size of the bar code components. Overprinting does not then completely obscure any module and so the bar code is still readable. The readability is especially enhanced by the high contrast of the luminescent image. When a fluorescent bar code is viewed under UV illumination, the bar code emits fluorescence in the areas of printed modules without text overprinted. Because the modules are wider than the text line width, the text does not completely obscure any module. The contrast of the bar code is reversed in fluorescence—that is, printed areas emit light.

Abstract: An invisible symbol reading apparatus includes a heating unit for heating an invisible symbol formed on a sample and containing a material which emits infrared light when heated, a detecting unit for detecting infrared light emitted from the invisible symbol, and an arithmetic operation unit for binarizing a detection signal from the detecting unit. The arithmetic operation unit calculates a differential coefficient of the detection signal, that corresponds to a position on the sample. On the basis of upper and lower threshold values set for the differential coefficient, the arithmetic operation unit determines a maximum value of the differential coefficient in a region exceeding the upper threshold value and a minimum value of the differential coefficient in a region smaller than the lower threshold value. The arithmetic operation unit binarizes the detection signal by using the maximum or minimum value as a leading or trailing edge of a binary function.

Abstract: An invisible symbol reading apparatus includes a heating unit for heating an invisible symbol formed on a sample and containing a material which emits infrared light when heated, a detecting unit for detecting infrared light emitted from the invisible symbol, and an arithmetic operation unit for binarizing a detection signal from the detecting unit. The arithmetic operation unit calculates a differential coefficient of the detection signal, that corresponds to a position on the sample. On the basis of upper and lower threshold values set for the differential coefficient, the arithmetic operation unit determines a maximum value of the differential coefficient in a region exceeding the upper threshold value and a minimum value of the differential coefficient in a region smaller than the lower threshold value. The arithmetic operation unit binarizes the detection signal by using the maximum or minimum value as a leading or trailing edge of a binary function.

Abstract: An imaging method includes the steps of (a) determining whether an object on which an image is to be formed is an information display medium on which a code is formed with an imaging material formed of a near infrared absorbing pigment, and (b) forming the image on the object by a printer engine with an imaging material formed of a pigment absorbing no or little light in a near infrared spectral region if the step (a) determines that the object is the information display medium.

Abstract: A bar code (10) incorporating thermochromic materials in selected modules (20) such that its code changes with temperature. Below a specified temperature, the bar code (10) displays a first code. Above this temperatures, the bar code (10) displays a second code. The bar code (10) is printed with conventional printing equipment onto conventional printing media, and is scanned with conventional bar code scanning equipment.

Abstract: A portable data collection device having a modular imaging-based dataform reader. The dataform reader is adapted to independently read first and second overlying dataforms, the first dataform is imaged and decoded when illuminated by radiation having a first wavelength and the second dataform is imaged and decoded when illuminated by radiation having a second wavelength. Control and selection circuitry is electrically coupled to an imaging assembly and an illumination assembly to actuate the imaging assembly and selectively energize a first illumination source which generates radiation having a first range of wavelengths to image and decode the first dataform while a second illumination source is deenergized and to actuate the imaging assembly and selectively energize the second illumination source which generates radiation having a second range of wavelengths to image and decode the second dataform while the first illumination source is deenergized.

Abstract: A personal postal product and a system for producing same. The postal product includes a personal image area for receiving a personal image and an official postal image area having a machine-readable code. The machine-readable code is configured so as to extend around at least a portion of the personalized image area. The code may be colored and coordinated with a color present in the personal image The personal image area and official postal image have may a variety of shapes. The system includes a computer for processing image data, a data entry device for entering a digital and a printer for producing the postal indicia.

Abstract: An imaging method includes the steps of (a) determining whether an object on which an image is to be formed is an information display medium on which a code is formed with an imaging material formed of a near infrared absorbing pigment, and (b) forming the image on the object by a printer engine with an imaging material formed of a pigment absorbing no or little light in a near infrared spectral region if the step (a) determines that the object is the information display medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to encoding and decoding of information using materials that are capable of mildly absorbing radiation over a wide range of infrared wavelengths and substantially non-absorbing in the visible wavelengths. Examples of such encoding of information are bar codes and area markings. Information is encoded in markings on a base medium by depositing or intertexturing on the base medium a material where the surface dimensions, thickness and presence of the material contain the encoded information. The encoding, as disclosed in this invention, utilizes a lower cost, more stable material than a material that is capable of highly absorbing over a range of infrared wavelengths and substantially non-absorbing in the visible wavelengths. However, since the material used in this invention is mildly absorbing in the infrared range, the signal obtained by reflecting or transmitting infrared radiation from the markings will be less distinct.

Abstract: The present invention relates to encoding and decoding of information using materials that are capable of mildly absorbing radiation over a wide range of infrared wavelengths and substantially non-absorbing in the visible wavelengths. Examples of such encoding of information are bar codes and area markings. Information is encoded in markings on a base medium by depositing or intertexturing on the base medium a material where the surface dimensions, thickness and presence of the material contain the encoded information. The encoding, as disclosed in this invention, utilizes a lower cost, more stable material than a material that is capable of highly absorbing over a range of infrared wavelengths and substantially non-absorbing in the visible wavelengths. However, since the material used in this invention is mildly absorbing in the infrared range, the signal obtained by reflecting or transmitting infrared radiation from the markings will be less distinct.

Abstract: A color mapping process enhances a watermark by computing a change in colors that is less visible for a given watermark strength. The mapping process provides smooth transitions from one color region to another, and may be implemented efficiently with a 3D look up table. A user interface scheme enables the user to control encoding of the watermark in desired color regions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing an opaque, transparent or translucent transaction card having multiple features, such as a holographic foil, integrated circuit chip, silver magnetic stripe with text on the magnetic stripe, opacity gradient, an invisible optically recognizable compound, a translucent signature field such that the signature on back of the card is visible from the front of the card and an active thru date on the front of the card. The invisible optically recognizable compound is an infrared ink and/or film, which can be detected by a sensor found in an ATM or card assembly line.

Abstract: An information code product (101) comprising a body (105) having a code-including image (104) formed thereon which includes at least one unit of information codes (103) with one or more specific color, wherein the unit of information codes is adapted to be obtained by extracting an image with the specific color from the code-including image. A user is authenticated by an authentication system (301) which comprises an authentication terminal (302) for reading data included in the product (101) and an authentication server (303) which is interconnected to the authentication terminal through a network (304).

Abstract: The invention relates to a card-shaped data carrier having a printed layer (6) on a carrier layer (2) and a transparent film (1) with a thermoreversible color layer (4) on said printed layer (6).

Abstract: A method of producing textile based items whose authenticity is capable of being ascertained includes the application to the item of one or more components which cause an alteration to the response of the item to incident electromagnetic radiation. The one or more components may be arranged in a coded sequence within the item. The invention also provides the item having the one or more components incorporated therein, a method of establishing the authenticity of the item and apparatus associated therewith.

Abstract: A method for providing a mailing system includes receiving, through a computer system, a mail item from a sender, and printing the mail item in a document including coded data thereon, the coded data including an indication of the identity of the mail item and at least one reference point on the document. The method also includes receiving, in the computer system, indicating data from a sensing device, the indicating data including information regarding the identity of the mail item and at least one action of the sensing device in relation to the document generated by the sensing device using at least some of the coded data; and generating a second mail item using said indicating data from the sensing device.

Abstract: A method for providing a mailing system includes receiving, through a computer system, a mail item from a sender, and printing the mail item in a document including coded data thereon, the coded data including an indication of the identity of the mail item and at least one reference point on the document. The method also includes receiving, in the computer system, indicating data from a sensing device, the indicating data including information regarding the identity of the mail item and at least one action of the sensing device in relation to the document generated by the sensing device using at least some of the coded data; and generating a second mail item using said indicating data from the sensing device.

Abstract: A method for providing a mailing system includes receiving, through a computer system, a mail item from a sender, and printing the mail item in a document including coded data thereon, the coded data including an indication of the identity of the mail item and at least one reference point on the document. The method also includes receiving, in the computer system, indicating data from a sensing device, the indicating data including information regarding the identity of the mail item and at least one action of the sensing device in relation to the document generated by the sensing device using at least some of the coded data; and generating a second mail item using said indicating data from the sensing device.

Abstract: An object bearing a two-dimensional visible image on an image field of a non-planar and curved object surface in at least one dimension also bears an encodement of encoded information recorded in a symbology of a material that is visible or invisible to the eye and over a substantial portion of the image field. The encodement includes curved encodement portions due to the curvature of the non-planar image field. The symbology of the encodement is adapted to be imaged as a planar symbology image by a planar imager that is disposed in use generally normal to and at a predetermined distance from a central point of the two-dimensional visible image. The recorded symbology is adjusted from point to point in the image field during recording of the encodement by an encodement recording system to compensate for distortion of the symbology introduced by imaging the curved symbology portions as the planar symbology image.

Abstract: A test target having N invisible test data encodements (660-66N, 740-74N, 74′0-74′N) each comprising test data printed over the surface of test print media media in a defined spatial order printed in invisible ink by a printer under test. The invisible ink print quality of the printer is determined by the ability of an invisible encodement reader to decode certain of the N invisible encodements (660-66N, 740-74N, 74′0-74′N). In a first preferred embodiment, a test print media is prepared by pre-printing or coating a media surface with an invisible ink that is sensitive to the same wavelength of light as the printer ink in a plurality N of areas on the media surface providing step background densities (580-58N) ranging from no applied ink to maximum printer ink density in a test tablet manner In the test mode, N test data files are printed as N invisible encodements (660-66N) in the corresponding N areas (580-58N) thereby creating a test target that is to be read by the reader.

Abstract: A product authentication system and method employs a unique mark that is simple and cost-effective to apply, but provides several layers of protection, including anti-counterfeit and anti-diversion, against counterfeiters. The unique mark contains a product control code that is printed in invisible ink comprising a UV ink and an IR ink. The first layer of protection is invisibility. The second layer of protection is the code itself. The third layer of protection is the presence of the IR ink in the invisible code. The fourth layer of protection is the IR emitting characteristics of the invisible code.

Abstract: An invisible symbol reading apparatus includes a heating unit for heating an invisible symbol formed on a sample and containing a material which emits infrared light when heated, a detecting unit for detecting infrared light emitted from the invisible symbol, and an arithmetic operation unit for binarizing a detection signal from the detecting unit. The arithmetic operation unit calculates a differential coefficient of the detection signal, that corresponds to a position on the sample. On the basis of upper and lower threshold values set for the differential coefficient, the arithmetic operation unit determines a maximum value of the differential coefficient in a region exceeding the upper threshold value and a minimum value of the differential coefficient in a region smaller than the lower threshold value. The arithmetic operation unit binarizes the detection signal by using the maximum or minimum value as a leading or trailing edge of a binary function.

Abstract: A method of forming symbols, characters, and other images from a light polarizing material including machine readable indicia enabling automated identification of articles is disclosed. A light polarizing material is applied over a reflective layer in a machine readable pattern. The material may be an image imprinted on a label with a light polarizing material on a substrate such as a transparent oriented film. In one aspect, a mail processing system includes a computer including a database of destination codes corresponding to a plurality of mail pieces for delivery to at least some of the destination codes. A media applicator utilizes the database for generating and applying a light polarizing material to a label or article to form a machine readable indicia, including the destination code for each of the plurality of mail pieces. A mail sorting system utilizing the label includes a camera with polarized lenses for filtering light reflected from indicia formed from a light polarizing material on the label.

Abstract: A scanning and detection device has a radiation source emitting radiation onto an object to be scanned. The device also has a detection screen with fluorescent elements converting incident radiation of the radiation source into different fluorescent radiation. The fluorescent elements are inorganic elements, organic elements, or inorganic and organic elements.

Abstract: A bar code 10 incorporating thermochromic materials in selected modules 20 such that its code changes with temperature. Below a specified temperature, the bar code 10 displays the code as in FIG. 3. Above this temperature, the bar code 10 shows a new code as in FIG. 2. The bar code 10 is printed with conventional printing equipment (not shown) onto conventional printing media, and is scanned with conventional bar code scanning equipment (not shown).

Abstract: An optical system for the tracking or verification of items, having an energy source (e.g., an illumination source), selectively producing a specific wavelength (or small set of wavelengths, such as a spectrum) of energy matched with a material sensitive to that illumination. When the material is subjected to the energy source, it emits a wavelength of energy which is then sensed by a detector.

Abstract: A symbol reader employs an optical element having first and second optical axes positioned to image a same portion of a color coded symbol onto two different portions of an image sensor. The reader includes one or more filters to remove different color portions of the light reflected from the symbol to create color separations at the image sensor. Thus, the image sensor detects different intensities of light, corresponding to different color states. A comparator, such as a microprocessor, programmed general purposed computer, or digital logic circuit, can determine the position and color of the various symbol elements based on image data produced by the image sensors, and decode the color coded symbol.

Abstract: A composite authentication mark includes a bar code portion that is visible when illuminated with visible light and an invisible code portion that is not visible when illuminated with visible light, wherein the bar code portion includes a plurality of bars and spaces and the invisible code portion is arranged in at least one of the spaces of the bar code portion without overlapping any of the bars of the bar code portion. Because the invisible code portion does not overlap with any of the bars of the bar code portion, a single-step printing and reading processes may be used. More information can be coded by the composite authentication mark by using the relative location of the invisible code portion within the spaces of the bar code portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for testing the authenticity of a data carrier with an integrated circuit and is characterized in that a material is provided in an area of the integrated circuit which is excited to luminesce for example by an electromagnetic radiation or by an electric field, the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the material being measured and evaluated for determining the authenticity of the data carrier.

Abstract: An identification document for a subject includes a substrate and a visual image formed on the substrate or a recording layer over the substrate, such visual image including an identifiable first area. The identification document further includes invisible but retrievable embedded information formed in the identifiable first area but not formed in a second area of the visual image, such embedded information related to the subject or the use of the identification document.

Abstract: A ink that is printed under a printed information-based indicia so that the information-based indicia will not require a Facing Identification Mark (FIM). The ink provides the foregoing result by being both fluorescent and phosphorescent. Current desk top printers and color photocopiers are not capable of duplicating fluorescence and phosphorescence at the same time.

Abstract: An object or an article for a detector or reader has a latent illuminance marker. A light source illuminates the marker and the marker emits illuminance as phosphorescence. A photosensor detects the emitted illuminance, and the decay time is determined. The decay time is checked to provide identification and/or authentication of different types or generations of objects or articles.

Abstract: Barcode patterns or other meaningful patterns are printed with a differentially conductive ink. A sensor incorporating a plurality of capacitive couplings distinguishes features of the patterns by comparative measurements that are largely independent of variations between the sensor and the patterns affecting all of the couplings. The patterns can be distinguished despite being hidden from view, such as inside sealed envelopes.

Abstract: A portable viewer for viewing bar codes and other markings printed at least in part with invisible inks includes a light source for illuminating and exciting the ink of the bar code, a camera for detecting light emitted by the excited bar code and for outputting image data, a display for creating a visible image of the bar code from the image data output from the camera, and an optical system for projecting the visible image onto a viewing screen. The display may be a miniature, transmissive active matrix liquid crystal display with high resolution that produces a sharp, bright image. A backlight and lens project the image produced by the display to generate an enlarged virtual image that can be easily viewed by a user. The portable viewer is compact in size and can be accommodated in a small package and requires only a small amount of power.

Abstract: An invisible symbol reading apparatus includes a heating unit for heating an invisible symbol formed on a sample and containing a material which emits infrared light when heated, a detecting unit for detecting infrared light emitted from the invisible symbol, and an arithmetic operation unit for binarizing a detection signal from the detecting unit. The arithmetic operation unit calculates a differential coefficient of the detection signal, that corresponds to a position on the sample. On the basis of upper and lower threshold values set for the differential coefficient, the arithmetic operation unit determines a maximum value of the differential coefficient in a region exceeding the upper threshold value and a minimum value of the differential coefficient in a region smaller than the lower threshold value. The arithmetic operation unit binarizes the detection signal by using the maximum or minimum value as a leading or trailing edge of a binary function.

Abstract: An information based indicia (IBI) that does not require a FIM and is able to be read by Advanced Facer Canceller Systems. The foregoing is accomplished by printing on the mail piece an upper layer IBI indicia over a lower layer invisible ink. The lower layer ink is a dual luminescent ink that is invisible to the naked eye and the upper layer IBI indicia is printed with an ink that is visible to the naked eye. The lower layer may also be produced by two inks, one of which is fluorescent and the other of which is phosphorescent. The fluorescent ink will be printed in one area of the lower layer and the phosphorescent inks will be printed in another area of the lower layer.

Abstract: An invisible indicia or encoded information is imprinted on a substrate using a compound which produces a fluorescence at a wavelength greater than about 650 nm when exposed to near infrared radiation. The information covered by a layer of material that reflects or absorbs a substantial amount of the visible and UV radiation illuminating its surface.

Abstract: The invention is optical assembly for use in a barcode reader that includes a frame having a rear housing and a pair of arms outwardly extended from the housing. An optical card containing an imaging lens is slidably received in a rear guideway situated between the arms. An aperture card is slidably received in a front guideway situated between the arms in front of the lens. Lamp support brackets are also mounted to either side of the arms. Each bracket contains a pair of LEDs that are aligned in coplanar relation with the imaging lens. A cylindrical lens is mounted in front of the lamp support brackets within the arms of the frame to magnify and focus the illumination from the LED upon a target in barcode space. A horizontally extended field stop aperture is positioned in front of each LED.

Abstract: A substrate capable of receiving and retaining imaging is coded so as to maximize the amount of the scannable information that can be packed into an area, and/or to provide an effective security feature. A first machine readable identification code (e.g. bar code) is imaged on a predetermined area of the substrate, and is opaque to a first predetermined wavelength range of electromagnetic energy (e.g. the infra-red region of light). An overlay is applied over and at least partially covering the first code. The overlay is transparent to the first wavelength range, and opaque to a second wavelength range (e.g. the visible spectrum of light). The overlay may be a security block which substantially completely covers the first code, or may be a second bar code (or additional codes) which is transparent to the second range.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for reading a luminescent bar code on a background surface whose reflectance may vary over the coded area, including a light source for providing light to scan, and to excite luminescence in the bar code or to reflect from the background surface of the coded area; a first detector responsive to reflected non-luminescent light for providing a first signal; a second detector responsive to luminescent light for providing a second signal; and memory having stored calibration indicia of reflectance and luminescence, the memory responsive to the first and second signals for providing an output signal substantially independent of background reflectance, and substantially free of bar code edge distortion.

Abstract: Equipment (100) for coating photographic media (14), such as photographic film and paper, has an apparatus (10) for printing bar code indicia (12) on a moving photographic media and a printer means for printing human readable indicia (16) on the media. The printer (20a, 20b) moves into print position along a lateral edge (28) of the media (14) in response to input signals received from a controller (22) having computer readable medium for directing the printing and movements of the printer (20a, 20b).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of building up a data bank containing customer data and/or for the organization of a rebate or coupon system. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of such a method and also to computerized tills usable in the context of the method, to printed till receipts, printed invoices, printed entry cards, product packages, product labels and product tags. Finally, the invention also relates to an apparatus for the production of the said product packages, product labels and product tags.

Abstract: A system that scans and reads IBI in accordance with the United State Postal Service Specification. This invention also improves both the readability and security of the Information-Based Indicia. The apparatus of this invention utilizes a postage meter that prints an Information-Based Indicia, scans and checks the Information-Based Indicia and prints an invisible, secure message, i.e., bar code over the Information-Based Indicia. The apparatus may also audit the franking process by immediately scanning and verifying the bar code that was printed over the Information Based-Indicia.

Abstract: A method of reading a pattern including steps of heating or irradiating with infrared light a substrate on which a transparent pattern is formed, the pattern containing a material capable of absorbing infrared light of specific wavelength such as polyacrylonitrile, and detecting infrared light which is radiated or reflected from the pattern.

Abstract: An information storage medium has a base portion and a code storage portion. The code storage portion is disposed on the base portion and contains an infrared absorber which absorbs substantially only infrared rays within a narrow wavelength band. If a real information storage medium is produced like that, subject mediums are judged real or not by a method includes the steps of emitting rays to the subject medium, receiving rays reflected from the subject medium, detecting a first reflectance at the peak absorption wavelength and a second reflectance at a comparison wavelength near the peak wavelength, and judging if the subject medium is real or not. The rays at the comparison wavelength are not very much absorbed by the absorber.