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 apparatus for detecting an invisible, near infrared fluorescing mark disposed on a background comprises: includes an excitation source for exciting the mark, having sufficient power to excite the mark and provide a fluorescent signal the mark from a; a signal detector for detecting the fluorescent signal from the mark; a and power modulator means for varying the power if the excitation source between zero and the maximum power level to produce a decodable fluorescent signal from the mark disposed on the background. A process for decoding an invisible mark having a near infrared fluorescing material includes the steps of: providing at least one invisible, near infrared fluorescing mark disposed on at least one portion of a background; exciting the mark with a laser having a maximum power level sufficient to provide a fluorescent signal from the mark; detecting the fluorescent signal and concurrently varying the power of the laser between zero and its maximum power, to obtain a decodable fluorescent signal.

Abstract: This invention relates to a document authentication system that may be read by a human and/or machine. A one or two-dimensional bar code or other printed code is printed over a magnetic strip, which may contain information linked to the encoded bar code data and human readable text that appears on the document. The magnetic strip that contains a printed bar code is affixed to a document that contains human readable text and a protective transparent laminates is placed over the bar code for abrasion resistance. The bar code or other code may be printed with an invisible ink for additional security.

Abstract: An optical reader for reading indicia such as bar codes comprises a first and second light source for generating first and second laser beams. The respective laser sources generate light at different wavelengths and a dichroic filter is provided to allow either source to be used without parallax effects. The laser scanner beam can be used to aim the reader when carrying out field of view reading. The optical reader is further provided with a band-pass filter shaped to match the wave-front of light generated at a given location incident on the filter to reduce the band-pass bandwidth and hence the ambient noise. The shaped band-pass filter can be incorporated in the optical reader dichroic filter arrangement.

Abstract: A bar code and/or indicia scanning method that is able to determine what light was emitted from an upper layer invisible bar code and/or upper layer invisible indicia and what light was reflected back to the detector from a visible lower layer bar code and/or visible lower layer indicia. The detecting is "blind" to the spectra of the excitation source. Rather than differentiate between the exciter and emitter in the spectral domain, this invention differentiates between the exciter and the emitter in the time domain. The latency and persistence of the phosphorescent pigments of the invisible ink are used so that the detected signal is only the signal emitted by the upper layer invisible ink after the light source is turned off. Illumination and detection are synchronized to reduce the effects of reflection to zero so that the detector need not be chosen to be blind to the exciter. The foregoing is particularly suited to LED and laser illumination where the light source may be easily turned on and off.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying and providing absolute identification on any visual medium or devices, to permit accurate recall of unique characteristics of the device being identifying. The recorded production information become the characteristics of the device, enabling fast and accurate identification and retrieval at a later date. The recording apparatus basically comprises a keyboard for inputting identification information for each device of a production lot, an electronic encoder for encoding the identification information into an index code, a laser device for etching or engraving the index code to a surface of each device, an inking device for filling the etched surface of each device with ultraviolet or infrared ink, and a spraying device for spraying a protective coat over the etched surface of each device. The index code can be retrieved at a later time for identifying each device from the production lot and the index code will remain invisible and not be seen by the naked eye.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reading invisible messages is disclosed. Two light sources impinge upon a surface upon which a luminescent message is located. The first light excites the luminescent message, which luminesces and emits a luminescent light. The luminescent light is received by an image sensor and is converted into a first electric signal. The second light has wavelengths substantially similar to the luminescent light, which reflects from the surface and is received by an image sensor and converted to a second electric signal. The first and second signals are processed to compensate for local variations in the reflectivity of the surface.

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.

Abstract: A reproduction apparatus (14) for reproducing documents (12) which comprise a base material. The apparatus comprises a platen (10) for forming a scanning area and for positioning the documents (12) on its one side, scanning means (18) for scanning the scanning area, and means for obtaining a relative movement between the scanning means and the documents in order to allow for the scanning. The scanning means (18) comprise a microwave system which is constituted by microwave transceivers (26) arranged in an array such that they can detect the presence of particles (13) which have electromagnetic properties which are substantially different from the electromagnetic properties of the base material and which are incorporated in at least a part of the documents (12), irrespective of the position of the documents (12) on the scanning area.

Abstract: A high-reliability optical reading apparatus for reading a latent image mark capable of accurately reading the code information of a latent image mark. The optical reading apparatus comprises a light-projecting light member for projecting on a surface of the latent image mark, the light having a wavelength to excite a fluorescent substance contained in the latent image mark having desired information; and a light-receiving member for receiving fluorescence emitted from the surface of the latent image mark. A range in which the latent image mark can be read is formed by setting a point at which the optical axis of the light-projecting member and that of the light-receiving member intersect with each other as a reference. An intersection angle between the two optical axes is preferably in the range of from 10.degree. to 40.degree..

Abstract: An invisible information recording medium includes an underlying layer, an invisible information recording layer provided above the underlying layer, being invisible under visible light, and fluorescing upon being applied with light having a particular wavelength excepting that of the visible light, thus becoming visible, and an optical modulation layer provided between the underlying layer and the recording layer.

Abstract: A system which includes an information transmitting element including flexible length of cable supporting an array of energy emitting elements of such sizes, shapes and spacings as to represent bar code markings, a carrier for the information transmitting element which is adapted to be mounted on a person or object, where its movement from one place to another requires control and where its admission to such places might be selectively denied, and a receiver element for detecting and determining the encoded information being transmitted.

Abstract: Accessory apparatus for authenticating articles is used in conjunction with existing readers or scanners of articles bearing stored data, such as credit cards or identification cards. The accessory apparatus is disposed before, after, on, under, inside, or adjacent to existing reader apparatus, to have a view of the article whose data is to be read. Information in addition to the stored data is coded on the article in non-visible indicia and is detected by the accessory authenticating apparatus. This coded additional information may be related to identification data stored in the article by the article's normal storage mechanism, such as a magnetic stripe or an embedded memory IC chip. The additional information may be coded in various combinations of predetermined characteristics of light emitted by the article to be authenticated when the article is irradiated with non-visible light from the accessory apparatus.

Abstract: A magnetic card includes a magnetic layer, a bar code, a protection layer, and a pseudo bar code. The magnetic layer is formed on a substrate, records magnetic information, and reflects light. The bar code is formed on a predetermined area of the magnetic layer by a light absorption material and detected by a lack of reflected light from the magnetic layer. The protection layer is formed on the predetermined area of the magnetic layer and protects the bar code. The pseudo bar code is formed on the magnetic layer and intermingled with the bar code. An address information code is provided on the card for determining the bar code form the pseudo bar code. A card reader apparatus using this magnetic card is also disclosed.

Abstract: Inks have been discovered that are selectively excitable by different wavelengths of incident radiation. This allows a lower layer bar code to be written on an object with an invisible ink and an upper layer bar code to be written over the lower layer bar code with an ink that is invisible to the naked eye. The apparatus of this invention is a detector that is able to read the upper and lower layer bar codes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a document authentication concept wherein a transparent tape having encoded text thereon is applied to the document. The encoded text printed on the transparent tape is printed with invisible ink so that the message thereon is not visible to the unaided eye. Preferably, the ink is visible in the infrared range. With such a combination, the authentication medium can be applied to a document that has a predetermined format so that the tape can be placed over a portion of the text and the latter will still be readable.

Abstract: A lower layer bar code is written on an object with a normal ink and an upper layer bar code is written over the lower layer bar code with an ink that is invisible to the naked eye. The apparatus of this invention is a detector that is able to read the upper and lower level bar codes.

Abstract: A numbering and reading system with record having two-dimensional erasable bar code or a removable label with a two-dimensional bar code is disclosed. The bar code can be PDF417.

Abstract: In order to provide a latent image forming member which is capable of surely reading information to have high reliability and which can be used for a long time, the latent image forming member comprises a base (4a), and an information indication layer (2) formed on the base (4a) and having a latent image pattern, in which fluorescent grains are dispersed and held, so that the information indication layer (2) is irradiated with light having a predetermined wavelength to excite the fluorescent grains and luminescent light information from the fluorescent grains is optically read, wherein reflectance of a surface of the base (4a) with respect to light having the predetermined wavelength is 20% or higher, a projection amount T of the information indication layer 2 from the top surface of the base (4a) is restricted to a range of 0.5 to 20 .mu.m, and a protection sheet (6a) is laminated onto the base (4a) as to cover all over the information indication layer (2).

Abstract: So that even small code marks or code marks put on metal by laser marking can be correctly read, an infrared camera 6 is disposed in a focus adjustable manner above a stage 1 on which an object to be read is placed, and two laser beam irradiators 8, 8' are disposed on both sides of the camera to face obliquely downwards such that one laser beam provides a spot of light elongated lengthwise (vertically) and the other laser beam provides a spot of light elongated widthwise (horizontally), and that these two light spots intersect with each other in a crisscross at the position coincidental with the focus of the camera. In addition, a plurality of illumination blocks 10 each equipped with infrared emitting diodes 9 are disposed in the polygonal form around the camera 6 so as to illuminate the stage 1, the angle of each of the illumination blocks being variable, brightness of each of the illumination blocks being adjustable.

Abstract: A device for detecting fraudulent negotiable instruments by coating areas of the negotiable instruments with a fluorescent substance that, when subjected to an ultraviolet light source, develops an emission of a certain known frequency. The device includes a filter which only passes known emission frequencies so that negotiable instruments can be rejected that do not exhibit that frequency.

Abstract: A bill validator which may validate bills and bar coded documents is provided. A central processing unit of the bill validator comprises discriminator means for receiving outputs of sensor means for detecting magnetic or optical feature of the bills; and bar code detector for photoelectrically converting bar code pattern printed on a document. The discriminator means comprise an bar code comparator for receiving outputs of the optical sensors to detect bar code printed on a document; a magentic pattern memory for storing predetermined magnetic patterns; and bar code memory for storing predetermined bar code patterns. The bar code comparator compares bar code signals read out through optical sensors from the document with bar code signals stored in the bar code memory after or before the discriminator means decides whether the document is a genuine bill or not.

Abstract: Process for marking an article by means of a pattern, which contains geometrically encoded information and can be evaluated with optical means by irradiation with light, there being provided on the surface of the article in a spatial arrangement in relation to an information pattern which can be evaluated by means of irradiation with UV light but is not visible to a human viewer a further information pattern which can be evaluated by means of visible light, the evaluation of the information contained in the two markings being able to be performed exclusively by means of the information pattern which can be evaluated by irradiation with UV light.

Abstract: Basic commodity or collector's object in particular of a high replacement collector's value with an identification label, whereby the identification label is formed in material of the object itself as an optical mark which is not visible if illuminated with a light source with a wavelength range within the sensitivity range of the human eye but is visible to the human eye if illuminated with a light source outside this sensitivity range the label being situated in an area of a housing surface or other area of the which is optically transparent for at least a part of the wavelength range within the sensitivity range of the human eye and for an additional wavelength range which is outside the sensitivity range of the human eye and which is used to read the label, whereby the undamaged nature of the area is at least to a high degree important when evaluating the replacement or collector's value.

Abstract: A card identification system comprises generally a card reader head composed of a light generating unit, a main circuit A/D convertion unit, a transmitter/receiver rack, a MF keyboard decode unit, a LCD unit and a CPU, and a reader device composed of a MF keyboard decode unit, a LCD unit, a EEPROM unit, a CPU and a driver device thereof. This disclosure is characterized in adapting an infrared ray scanning method to the card reader head therein to precisely detect a symbol on a identification card which can be unlimitedly made from a variety of materials. The identification code marked on the card may be made by printing or perforating a symbol or sticking up a tape, or a sticker thereon.

Abstract: An exceptionally dense information encoding system, with 4-10 times the density of CD ROM diskettes, employs colored areas in the form of bars or checkerboard matrices of colored dot regions to encode information including alphanumerics, with each colored region being variable as to both color and intensity. In one embodiment, so-called super pixel dots have differently colored sub-regions within them, arranged with side-by-side colors or with colored regions stacked one on top of the other, such that information from one dot has as many color variables as there are stacked layers or mixed colors. In one embodiment the super pixel dot is 5 microns in diameter with 2 micron spacing between adjacent dots. For each color in one embodiment there are as many as 64 intensities yielding a coding system of high information density.

Abstract: Bar code reading systems having enhanced detection capabilities are disclosed. The systems are particularly useful for invisible bar codes. The bar code is irradiated with radiation that is sine wave or square wave modulated at one or more frequencies. A detector is sensitive to a frequency related to the modulation frequencies, preferable to a sum or a difference of at least two modulating frequencies, produced by intermodulation of the modulating frequencies. Such intermodulation can result from the non-linear fluorescing characteristics of dyes incorporated into the bar code markings. The modulation can also be sinusoid or square wave at a single frequency. Detection of coded information on sheets containing whiteners or other dyes capable of fluorescing in response to the radiation utilized by the code reader is improved by employing radiation absorbing components in the code markings.

Abstract: Record document may be authenticated against reference grain data obtained from the document at a prior time. The body of the document is formed by base medium bearing the record entries such as text within record site. Grain seal site is located at a predetermined location within the base medium. The unique grain structure within the seal site are microscopic and function as a seal for authenticating the document. The seal site is initially scanned to provide a stream of reference data generated by the surface reflection of the grain structure. This reference grain data is stored in memory for future authentication use. The seal site is then currently scanned to generate a stream of current grain data for comparison to the reference grain data.

Abstract: An optical identification label consisting of an area of hologram or diffraction grating which is transparent to visible light but reflects incident light with a specific reflective directivity. By identifying the reflectivity directivity, it is possible to identify the authenticity of the label and, hence, the object to which the identification label is affixed. The fact that the identification label is transparent to human eyes offers a strong discouraging effect on potential forgers. Further, the pattern of the reflected light may be used as means for encoding data.

Abstract: This card type recording medium has plural types of inks which normally exhibit the same color visually but exhibit different optical characteristics under a predetermined condition provided in blocks in a desired pattern and, by breaking the blocks block by block in accordance with the used amount or other factor, is capable of recording information corresponding to the breakage state of the blocks. First information can be recorded by a pattern of arrangement of these plural types of inks and second information can be recorded in accordance with the breakage state of the blocks. The first information is a collation pattern which indicates that the card type recording medium is a genuine one. Since the plural types of inks exhibit the same color visually, it cannot be visually discerned which type of ink is used on which block, which makes it difficult to counterfeit the card by imitating this collation pattern.

Abstract: A read head for optically scanning a ballot on which votes are cast by marking the ballot with a writing instrument within a voting area defined between a pair of spaced-apart timing marks includes infrared emitters illuminating the timing marks and emitters of visible light illuminating the voting area between the marks. The illuminated portions of the ballot are imaged onto three PIN photodiodes place in a line. The outer two PIN photodiodes are effectively apertured to resolve the timing marks and the middle PIN photodiode is effectively apertured to resolve a voting mark of a predetermined minimum size. The ballot, the image and the apertures are carefully aligned such that the photodiodes detect changes in light level associated with an image of a mark passing across the apertures.

Abstract: This card type recording medium has plural types of inks which normally exhibit the same color visually but exhibit different optical characteristics under a predetermined condition provided in blocks in a desired pattern and, by breaking the blocks block by block in accordance with the used amount or other factor, is capable of recording information corresponding to the breakage state of the blocks. First information can be recorded by a pattern of arrangement of these plural types of inks and second information can be recorded in accordance with the breakage state of the blocks. The first information is a collation pattern which indicates that the card type recording medium is a genuine one. Since the plural types of inks exhibit the same color visually, it cannot be visually discerned which type of ink is used on which block, which makes it difficult to counterfeit the card by imitating this collation pattern.

Abstract: A bar code printing medium 10 to e applied to an article, the medium 10 having an upper surface on which at least one bar code 12 has been printed, characterized in that the at least one bar code 12 is covered with a colored transparent film 14 having a selective transmittivity in a predetermined wavelength region.

Abstract: A detection mark comprising a pattern formed from a thin phosphor layer which emits a light having a different wavelength from that of an excitation light irradiated on a surface side of the phosphor layer, and an undercoat layer which is formed on a rear surface side of the phosphor layer and reflects the excitation light, which mark can be detected by intermittently irradiating the excitation light to the mark and reading a light or afterglow from the phosphor layer.

Abstract: An imaging device of the present invention, utilized for game cards or the like, comprises an optical validation sensor configured to prevent fraudulent play by a retailer or the like to pick out winning game cards. The optical validation sensor activates the imaging device only upon sensing a predetermined amount or density of light passing through the game card. The imaging device also comprises a debris slot to prevent debris or the like from collecting therein when accompanied with a card being inserted and improved configurations of the game card.

Abstract: A method of bar code printing is disclosed. The bar code is printed directly onto packaging material associated with the product, and in that the ink used to produce the bar code is such that indicia constituting the bar code can be discriminated regardless of the background onto which the bar code is printed.

Abstract: In an optical card, a card substrate has its rigidity which is sufficient to handle the card substrate independently. The card substrate has a first side which serves as a reading side upon which reading light is incident. An optical-data recording section includes a light-reflective pattern. The optical-data recording section is arranged on one of the first and second sides of the card substrate. Optical data incident upon the optical-data recording section toward the reading side of the card substrate is recorded by the optical-data recording section. A shielding layer is arranged on one of the first and second sides of the card substrate, for shielding the optical-data recording section from a viewer's field of view. The shielding layer has its transmission characteristic with respect to the reading light, which is sufficient to shield light within a visual range and to enable reading of the optical-data recording section.

Abstract: Voidable articles are made with an identification code and a radiant energy responsive material coated over said code. The material is invisible and remains unactivated in ambient light but obscures the identification code upon being exposed to radiant energies such as heat or light from within a particular wavelength range. Printing can be accomplished by imaging light onto a substrate coated with photosensitive material including an infrared absorbing dye. A cancellation device for voiding documents of the present invention is made with a scanner, a comparator and a radiant energy source for exposing the document to activate the energy responsive material on the document.

Abstract: An electronic lock mechanism utilizing for the opening thereof a card-key upon which digital codes are imprinted. The digital codes are created by infrared light transmissive portions and infrared light non-transmissive portions on the card-key. The electronic lock mechamism determines the digital codes of the card-key by directing infrared light upon the surface of the card-key, and measuring the times in which the light passes through the infrared light transmissive portions of the card-key, and compares these digital codes with pre-selected digital codes. Only during those times in which the digital codes imprinted upon the card-key and the pre-selected digital codes are identical may the electronic lock mechanism unlock.

Abstract: In that a method for bar code marking on vulcanizable or vulcanized rubber products, where the bar code of each marking varies from the preceding one, a bar code pattern (4) is given to the rubber product (2) through a source of electromagnetic radiation which is controlled by a computer electronic word processing system to form the bar code pattern (4) required on the rubber product (2) surface, i.e., the first side (12) and focusing on this, and that the source of radiation wavelengths and energy are adapted to the kind of marking and marking (4) depth required in the rubber product (2), higher bar code wearability is achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus for reading information marks comprising a strobe light activating or reflecting information marks manually placed on objects or wood products. A camera is used for reading the marks. One or more detectors are used to recognize marks and color. A central processing unit is used to process, solve and interpret character and color recognition. A photo-electric eye or a signal from a control device is used to time the strobe and detector. The information contained in the marks is fed directly to the control system and may be used to generate reports.

Abstract: A multi-readable information system includes a substrate material and one type of printed information that is readable by a first entity, such as information in machine readable bar code that is printed on an area of the substrate material. A different type of printed information occupies the same field area of the substrate material, such as information in human-readable symbology that is printed in at least a portion of the area occupied by the bar code. The bar code is printed in a first ink that can be read utilizing energy of a first wavelength and the human-readable symbols are printed in a second ink that can be read in a humanly visible wavelength. The humanly visible ink absorbs insufficient energy in the first wavelength to prevent reading of the bar code by a bar code-reading machine and the bar code does not interfere with the readability of the human-readable symbols.

Abstract: A card or pass comprising at least two layers, suitably mated, of shock-resistant plastic film transparent to infrared light. Inside these layers, identification optical codes, readable in transparency by means of infrared rays, are printed. Inside these layers still, a seat, suitably shaped to receive an integrated memory circuit connected to the outside by means of four contacts, is provided. Each contact has a very precise function according to its connection with the circuit which comprises an integrated memory circuit of EEPROM technology with interfacing protocol on two wires and with voltage converter on chip so as to eliminate the necessity of several feeding voltages.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus comprises first and second lamps and a controller. The controller selectively sends a first control signal to the first lamp and a second control signal to the second lamp in accordance with whether or not a data sheet contains a pattern described in a drop-out color. The first lamp emits first light having a first wavelength characteristic in accordance with the incoming first control signal. The second lamp emits second light having a second wavelength characteristic different from the first wavelength characteristic in accordance with the incoming second control signal.

Abstract: The present invention concerning the Optical Identification Card System is provided with an individual card which emits infrared light modulated by the individual code and a detector which receives this infrared modulated light and detects the individual code. When a request signal is radiated from this detector as infrared light from the above within the prescribed light-emitting area, the said infrared modulated light is radiated from the individual card within the light-emitting area and thus the individual code is detected by the detector. Then the detected individual code is identified by the identifier, and on the basis of this identification result, the terminal equipment related to the holder of the individual card is actuated, thereby automatically locking and unlocking the door.

Abstract: A conventional bar code and a method of reading the same are so adapted that rays are irradiated on the bar code formed on a semiconductor wafer, and that reflected rays from the bar code are read out by a bar code reader to sense the bar code so that a misreading rate is increased by means of reflection of the surface of a wafer and due to the surface profile of the bar code. In contrast, according to a bar code and a method of reading the same in accordance with the present invention, the bar code is formed of a film or the like of aluminum or the like on the semiconductor wafer, and infrared rays are irradiated on the bar code, penetrated infrared rays from the semiconductor wafer being read out by the bar code reader so that a bar code reading may be effectively made without being influenced by reflection of the wafer surface and surface profile with a better S/N ratio and at a lower misreading rate.

Abstract: A visiting card of a new type on which symbols, such as characters, mumerals and figures of any kind, for discriminating the bearer's identification items, such as the company name, section name or own name, from other items are marked in the vicinity of the identification items in the margin of the visiting card. Camouflage print may be made on the symbols to conceal them, by the use of a colored/colorless ink, so that they are readable only by an optical reader. The discriminating symbols optically read together with the identification items are converted into binary optical or electric signals and input to a computer in order to obtain a swift, correct and cheap retrieval of the data required.

Abstract: A bar code label comprising a bar code which is made from a vitreous material. The label is formed on a substrate made of ceramics, pottery or porcelain enamel-coated metal or the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for recognizing identifications elements provided on moving carriers includes a reader having a reading head and an evaluating or analyzing logic. The carrier which is advanced past the reading head is provided with at least one identification field including a pattern of marks which are made of phosphorescent substance. By being exposed to light emitted from a light source, the identification marks phosphoresce and are read by the reading head after the exposure has taken place.

Abstract: A first member and a second member are coupled so as to form a flat card path therebetween. The card path is open at one end of each of the first and second members. A plurality of guide holes are formed in the first member so as to open to the card path. The guide holes are substantially perpendicular to the card path. A plurality of light-emitting elements are respectively mounted in the guide holes such that a light-emitting direction of each light-emitting element crosses the card path. A plurality of photodetector chambers are formed in the second member such that each photodetector has an optical axis aligned with that of each light-emitting element. A plurality of light-receiving elements are housed in the photodetector chambers so as to receive only light beams having a predetermined wavelength through respective filters. An information card having pattern data formed by a fluophor thereon is inserted along the card path, thereby allowing reading of the pattern data by the light-receiving elements.