Abstract: A method of printing a security document having a security feature, the method including, receiving the security document, and encrypted identity data at least partially indicative of an identity of the security document. The identity is decrypting using a secret key associated with the public key, allowing a signature to be generated using the determined identity. The signature is a digital signature of at least part of the identity. The signature is used in generating coded data at least partially indicative of the identity of the security document and at least part of the signature. The coded data is then printed on the security document.

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 preferably an infrared ink comprising an infrared phthalocyanine dye, an infrared phosphor, and a quantum dot energy transfer compound. The infrared ink can be detected by a sensor found in an ATM or card assembly line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security element (1), comprising a first luminescent substance, for a security document (5), the latter (5) comprising a base body (51) consisting of a base material. The aim of the invention is to increase the protection against forgery. To achieve this: the security element is provided with a second luminescent substance; energy is transmitted between the first luminescent substance and the second luminescent substance, whereby the frequency range of the excitation of one of the luminescent substances corresponds to the emission frequency range of the other luminescent substance; and the first luminescent substance is thermally unstable at the ignition temperature of the base material and/or at a temperature of 185° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of compounds of formulae (I) and/or (II) as colorless IR absorbers wherein M is Ni, Pd, Pt, Au, Ir, Fe, Zn, W, Cu, Mo, In, Mn, Co, Mg, V, Cr or Ti, X1, X2 and X3 are each independently of the others sulfur or oxygen, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are each independently of the others hydrogen, NR7R8, unsubstituted or substituted C1-C18alkyl, C1-C18 alkyl wherein the alkylene chain is interrupted with oxygen, unsubstituted or substituted C1-C18alkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted aryl, unsubstituted or substituted arylalkyl or unsubstituted or substituted heteroarylalkyl, R7 and R8, each independently of the other, being unsubstituted or substituted C1-C18alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted aryl, unsubstituted or substituted arylalkyl or unsubstituted or substituted heteroarylalkyl, a further IR absorber optionally being added to the compounds of formulae (I) and (II).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for manufacturing a radio frequency identification (RFID) enabled corrugated paperboard are provided. The apparatus includes a corrugated paperboard feed device configured to supply a quantity of corrugated paperboard, an antenna attach device configured to couple an antenna to the corrugated paperboard, a curing device configured to provide curing energy to the antenna to at least one of dry the antenna and facilitate optimizing an electrical conductivity of the antenna, and an attach mechanism configured to couple a radio frequency identification circuit to the antenna.

Abstract: Detection systems that detect and decode machine-readable information and other indicia having varying spectral emissivity values are provided. The detection systems include a sensor, circuitry, and temperature influencing mechanism. The system may be connected to other hardware, such as a computer display screen, or audio emitting device. Meanwhile, the sensor detects differential emissivity values by measuring energy emitted from the targets of interest.

Abstract: A value or security document (2) contains a security feature (4) in the form of a film laser with an emitter layer (12) and preferably a protective layer (14). A spatial, periodic modulation (8), preferably of the surface of a substrate, permits fine adjustment of a laser wavelength within a range of possible wavelengths. This permits a coding of the security feature by different portions of different wavelengths.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product for authenticating a pharmaceutical product is provided. The method includes receiving an identifier and a quantity for the pharmaceutical product and receiving a photonic signal from the pharmaceutical product, wherein the photonic signal includes a frequency and amplitude. The method can further include searching for the identifier and quantity that was received in a predefined list comprising identifier-quantity pairs, wherein a frequency and amplitude corresponds to each identifier-quantity pair. The method can further include matching the identifier and quantity that was received to a first identifier-quantity pair in the list. The method can further include storing a record indicating that the pharmaceutical product is counterfeit if the frequency and amplitude of the photonic signal does not match the frequency and amplitude corresponding to the first identifier-quantity pair.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for embedding and recovering machine readable information on a substrate, including an image forming device containing at least two fluorescent marking materials, wherein the image forming device receives data representative of the machine readable information, and forms an image corresponding to the data in a machine readable code format with the at least two fluorescent marking materials on the substrate, and a document reading device including a radiation emitting unit that emits radiation effecting fluorescence of a first fluorescent marking material and/or second fluorescent marking material, and a reader that detects the data in the image on the image receiving substrate while the first fluorescent marking material and/or second fluorescent marking material is fluorescing.

Abstract: An external unit is externally attached to a storage-medium storage device. The external unit includes a verification unit that verifies whether a storage medium that is about to be inserted in a storage slot of the storage-medium storage device is legitimate, and an open/close unit that opens the storage slot so that the storage medium can be inserted in the storage slot only upon the verifying unit verifying that the storage medium is legitimate.

Abstract: A transaction card includes a substrate and a thermochromic feature. The substrate defines a first surface and includes an account identifier linking the transaction card to at least one of an account and a record. The account identifier is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal. The thermochromic feature portrays a character on a portion of the first surface. The thermochromic feature is configured to change between a first state and a second state when an actual temperature of the thermochromic feature reaches an activation temperature of the thermochromic feature. In the first state, the thermochromic feature appears as a first color. In the second state, the thermochromic feature presents at least one of a second color and a graphic not otherwise visible when the thermochromic feature is in the first state. Stored-value cards, combinations, methods of providing a transaction card, and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interactive security element comprising at least one volume hologram the latter being responsive to at least one applied external stimulus and exhibits a defined optical effect in form of an image, whereby the optical effect in form of an image is preferably different when being observed at different angles of view and the different images may be observed at least after an external stimulus has been applied, to a method of verifying said interactive security element as well as to the use thereof for verification, identification, authentication or anti-counterfeiting purposes, in particular as a public feature to security products such as banknotes, passports, identification documents, tickets, credit cards, smart cards, etc., and for brand and production protection.

Abstract: A technique for generating high-resolution bitmaps from low-resolution bitmaps. A low-resolution bitmap is magnified to form a magnified image. Edge detection is performed on the magnified image to find high contrast edges. A plurality of image patches of the magnified image are generated. These images patches are analyzed by performing connected components analysis on each of them using the high contrast edges to produce a plurality of foreground and background decisions determining whether a portion of an image patch is a background or a foreground region. Then the contrast of one or more pixels in each of the plurality of image patches is enhanced based on the foreground and background decisions. Finally, the system and method of the invention combines the luminance of the enhanced output pixels with the color values generated by the magnification algorithm. This produces a high-resolution bitmap from the contrast-enhanced pixels.

Abstract: An identification verification system includes a combination of indicia that represent measurable characteristics mapped into a characteristic signature, and an indicia detector for detecting the characteristic signature and verifying authenticity of the characteristic signature.

Abstract: A method of issuing a ticket, paid for with illegal payment means during a transaction between a user and a ticket vending machine, where if the payment means are identified as being illegal, the printed ticket is marked in such a manner as to enable the marked ticket to be distinguished from a regular ticket during an inspection operation.

Abstract: There is provided a non-contact type IC card that prevents electrostatic discharge failure of an IC chip embedded in an IC card. A non-contact type IC card includes at least a magnetic recording layer, a metal reflective layer, and a hologram layer, which are sequentially laminated on a card base member, and an antenna and an IC chip connected to the antenna that are embedded in the card base member. The metal reflective layer is made of a material of which electric conductivity is smaller than 28.9×106/?m, or is composed of a thin film of which surface resistivity is 7.02 (?/?) or more.

Abstract: A card authentication is performed. An authentication chip for performing authentication by a copy-disabled hologram chip is attached to a card and when or after the card is introduced into a handling device, the authentication chip information is read to perform authentication. Read may be performed in a planar shape but a linear shape can reduce the processing load. An arbitrary straight line or a curved line may be used as a read line shape by modifying the read position in association with the card movement when the card is placed to be read. When the card introduced to a terminal device is an unauthorized one, the card is ejected or an alarm is issued when the card is introduced inside.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electronic tag to be affixed onto a product includes providing, in an electrically conductive film of a foil for packaging, packing or transporting the product, areas devoid of any electrically conductive material for delimiting in the electrically conductive film at least one antenna pattern for forming an antenna for an RFID tag. A semiconductor chip is connected to the antenna for forming an electronic tag.

Abstract: A substrate having a coded data pattern disposed on a surface thereof. The coded data pattern comprises a plurality of target features defining a grid. The grid comprises a plurality of tags with neighboring tags sharing target features. Each tag comprises respective tag data encoded by a plurality of macrodot data elements contained in each tag. The macrodot data elements encode: a plurality of Reed-Solomon symbols, wherein a set of the symbols define a Reed-Solomon codeword; and an orientation of a layout of the tag data. The orientation is encoded a plurality of times in each tag.

Abstract: A tablet PTP package contains a multiplicity of tablets by a resin PVC and a metal sheet such as an aluminum sheet. An elongate space pattern is formed in a part of the aluminum sheet on the lower surface of the package to form an island area constituting an antenna. A small radio IC inlet including an IC chip mounted on a small antenna is arranged on the reverse surface (upper surface of the package) of the portion of the aluminum sheet corresponding to the island area. The small radio IC inlet and the second antenna formed by the island area are electrostatically coupled to each other with the resin PVC as a dielectric member, and thus a RFID (radio frequency identification) tag is configured.

Abstract: The present invention relates to management of information relating to medical fluids, containers therefor, and medical fluid administration devices for administering such medical fluids to patients. Data tags (e.g., RFID tags) are generally associated with containers of the invention and may be electromagnetically read from and/or written to using an electromagnetic device, for example, that may be associated with a medical fluid administration device of the invention.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, an information identification device, an information identification method, and an information identification system each of which can maintain a high security level and which can be used for a long time without any restrictions on use conditions are realized. An ID identification system includes: an ID identifying medium containing a rare-earth complex; and an ID identification device for identifying identification information corresponding to the rare-earth complex.

Abstract: Methods and systems that provide privacy of signatures on envelopes containing ballots are provided. The envelope for returning ballots includes a flap with a window that aligns with a signature area on the envelope. The window appears opaque under normal lighting conditions, but appears transparent when illuminated with light within a predetermined band of wavelengths. To read the signature, light having wavelength within the predetermined band can be directed onto the window, thereby rendering the window transparent and the signature visible.

Abstract: An identification token or label includes a light emitting device powered by and responsive to radio frequency signals to emit light in a predetermined frequency range and in a predetermined pattern. It has application as a gaming token for a casino environment or a medallion for use in monitoring patrons at sporting venues and in various parts of a supply chain.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises an electrically-controlled illumination source, and a circuit configured to control the illumination source so as cause the light source to generate at least one sequence of light pulses that mimics those a photo-detector of a bar code reader would observe from a reflected source when reading a printed bar code symbol. In another embodiment, an apparatus comprises an electronically reconfigurable, reflective display that is insensitive to a polarization of an incident illumination source, and a circuit configured to selectively configure the display to display a bar code symbol thereon.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a data storage material that comprises an assembly of oligo atomic metal clusters confined in molecular sieve for converting invisible radiation emitted by a radiation source at or above room temperature to visible light. By irradiation of specific patterns within this material with UV or visible light, the emission from these patterns is irreversibly enhanced.

Abstract: Devices, systems, methods, and compositions of matter can track and/or identify a library of elements, particularly for use with fluids, particulates, cells, and the like. Signals from one or more semiconductor nanocrystals may be combined to define spectral codes. Separation of signal wavelengths within dedicated wavelength ranges or windows facilitates differentiation of spectral codes, while calibration signals within the spectral codes can avoid ambiguity. Modeling based on prior testing can help derive libraries of acceptable codes.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the authenticity includes a light-emitting unit that emits a light including the first wavelength to the paper sheet; a first blocking unit that is arranged between the light-emitting unit and the paper sheet, and blocks off a light of a wavelength longer than the first wavelength; a light-receiving unit that receives a light including a second wavelength emitted from the paper sheet; a second blocking unit that is arranged between the light-receiving unit and the paper sheet, and blocks off a light of a wavelength shorter than the second wavelength. Finally, an authenticity determining unit determines an authenticity of the paper sheet based on the light received by the light-receiving unit.

Abstract: A transaction product, which is configured to interface with and receive electrical power from an electrical socket, includes a support member, an electrical circuit and an account identifier. The electrical circuit is coupled to the support member and includes an electrical plug and an electrically driven device electrically coupled with the electrical plug. The electrical plug includes at least two blades extending from the support member. The at least two blades are configured to interface with the electrical socket such that electrical power from the electrical socket is transferred to the electrically driven device via the electrical plug. The account identifier links the transaction product to an account or record, wherein the account identifier is machine readable. Other cards, products, assemblies and methods of using such cards, products and assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A payment device includes a positioning module for determining a location of the payment device. The positioning module has a receiver for receiving a signal from a navigational system. A first antenna is operably connected to the positioning module. A transmitting module is operably connected to the positioning module. The transmitting module emits a location signal corresponding to the location of the payment device as determined by the positioning module. An account information element is interrogatable by a point of sale device for permitting the completion of a commercial transaction.

Abstract: A transaction card includes a single layer substrate and an account identifier. The single layer substrate is formed of a transparent polymer resin mixed with a fluorescent dye such that the single layer substrate exhibits an edge-glow characteristic. The single layer substrate is one of transparent and translucent. The account identifier is connected to the single layer substrate and links the transaction card to at least one of an account and a record. The account identifier is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal. Stored-value card assemblies, methods of encouraging purchase and facilitating use of a stored-value card and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of embedding machine readable information on a substrate, including converting the information to machine readable code format and writing the machine readable code format on the substrate with at least one fluorescent marking material. Also disclosed is a system for embedding and recovering machine readable information on a substrate, including an image forming device containing at least one fluorescent marking material, wherein the image forming device receives data representative of the machine readable information, and forms an image corresponding to the data in a machine readable code format with the at least one fluorescent marking material on an image receiving substrate, and a document reading device including a radiation emitting unit that emits radiation effecting fluorescence of the at least one fluorescent marking material, and a reader that detects the data in the image on the image receiving substrate while the at least one fluorescent marking material is fluorescing.

Abstract: A communication system is provided that includes both an electromagnetic (“EM”) communication device and an optical communication device including at least a machine readable symbol where at least a portion of the EM communication device and at least a portion of the machine readable symbol are formed from the same material. This material may be, for example, a conductable ink or a conductable foil. If desired, the EM communication device may include an antenna where at least a portion of the antenna includes at least a portion of the machine readable symbol.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present promotional card has a surface area. A first section of the surface area identifies a promotional target. A second section of the surface area includes identifying indicia for associating the promotional card with a preexisting stored value account. An embodiment of the present promotional card may be used in the promotion of an idea to a target. The target is provided with a promotional card intended to form a positive association with the idea and also to provide the target with a benefit. The benefit is obtainable through use of the promotional card. The target's positive association with the idea is reinforced when the target receives the promotional card and learns of the benefit and further reinforced when the benefit is obtained.

Abstract: A security feature is created by printing a patch of photoluminescent material on a substrate and printing a representation of a first barcode over the patch of photoluminescent material using a material selected to absorb radiation at one or more wavelengths that would cause the photoluminescent material to luminesce.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, in which from two images of a security element, which are recorded with right-handed and left-handed circularly polarizing filters, a differential image is produced, on the basis of which the authenticity of the security element is tested, and an apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to documents such as printed documents. One claim recites a printed document including a machine-readable signal. The document includes: a first set of print structures conveyed with first ink; and a second set of print structures convey with optical variable ink. The second set of print structure are provided to cooperate with the first set of print structures so that at a first observation angle the first set of print structures and the second set of print structures appear to provide a first visibly perceptible feature. At a second observation angle, the second set of print structures appear less observable so that the first set of print structures and the second set of print structures provide a second visibly perceptible feature. Of course, other claims and combinations are provided as well.

Abstract: A method and system for authenticating an item by using a security marking. The security marking is provided on the item with an OVD ink capable of absorbing light in a visible wavelength range to appear visibly black and producing a red fluorescent emission under ultraviolet excitation. Under visible light illumination and ultraviolet excitation, a visible image and a fluorescent image are obtained from the security marking using image scanners. The images are compared to find a substantial match with each other. The security marking can be a postage indicium, a barcode, a symbol, a message or an image. The item to be authenticated can be a mailpiece, a banknote, a tag, a ticket, a document, an identification card, or the like.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for producing a security feature and a print medium which is equipped in that respect, which affords the possibility of not having to implement any change and in particular mechanical change in the surface of the card body. In that respect the substrate includes at least one change-over substance which by irradiation with light of a given wavelength experiences an irreversible change in color from a starting color to a final color, wherein the substrate in the initial condition is so irradiated with a controlled light beam of that wavelength, in particular a laser light beam that, due to the change in color caused thereby in the change-over substance, an image which can be recognized with the naked eye is produced within the volume of the substrate.

Abstract: A portable adapter for using a contact smart card with a contactless smart card reader and a contactless smart card with a contact smart card reader. The adaptor is provided with a casing that is configured to engage a contact smart card or a contactless smart card, and is provided with an exterior portion that physically cooperates via a contact pad with a contact smart card reader. The adapter is provided with an interface passing signals between a contactless smart card and a contact smart card reader, and an interface for passing signals between a contact smart card and a contactless smart card reader.

Abstract: A retro-emissive marking system that returns a coded-spectrum optical signal to a source of an interrogation beam is described. The system is valuable for applications such track-and-trace systems, vehicle markings, anti-counterfeit/security, inventory control, animal ear tags, product authentication, identification cards, and security systems; and it also has value as a remotely readable sensor of chemical or biological agents.

Abstract: Transactional presentation instrument systems having one or more chambers, and method of using and constructing such systems are provided. Systems can include a presentation instrument, an information storage medium configured to store a unique identifier, and a chamber having a fluid component and an object component. The object component can include a plurality of items that float in or disperse throughout the fluid component.

Abstract: A security material for documents comprises a first layer of material, such as a polymeric film or laminate, having first and second sides. A pearlescent material is applied to at least one of the first and second sides. The pearlescent material defines a pattern comprising at least two different colors that are at least partially interlocked in the pattern, and the pattern permits printed information that is overlaid by the pattern to be effectively perceived.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for checking the security features of documents of value with at least one sensor in areas of different security categories. Since dependent on the security category different sensor parameters are made available for the respective checking of the security feature, so as to check the same security feature in different ways, the preparing of forgeries can be prevented particularly reliably.

Abstract: A tagging system contains first taggants and second taggants. The taggants differ from each other so that the first taggants have a first emission spectrum and a first absorption edge and the second taggants have a second emission spectrum and a second absorption edge. In the tagging system, the first taggants are arranged to be within an interaction distance of the second taggants so that energy transfer between the first taggants and the second taggants causes an emission spectrum of the tagging system to differ from a sum of the first emission spectrum and the second emission spectrum.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method and a device for the authentication of a document, a valued good or a packaging, carrying a marking (M) exhibiting a viewing-angle dependent light reflection spectrum. The authentication method is based on a measurement of the intensity of light reflected by the marking at least at two different viewing angles in response to a sequential wide-angle illumination with light of different spectral characteristics, and the comparison of the measured intensity values with corresponding reference values. The authentication device (1) has at least two light sources (4) of different spectral characteristics, a wide-angle illumination optics (3), and at least two photodetectors (5) collecting light reflected by said markings at least at two different viewing angles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security structure (3), for at least partial incorporation, or fixing in or on an article, for example, a security and/or value document, said structure comprising: at least one first fluorescent zone, which may emit a visible light of a first colour by fluorescence under given illumination conditions, at least one second fluorescent zone, which may emit a visible light of a second colour by fluorescence under given illumination conditions, different from the first, the first and second fluorescent zones being observable from opposing faces (19) of the structure.

Abstract: Methods and systems that provide privacy of signatures on envelopes containing ballots are provided. The envelope for returning ballots includes a flap with a window that aligns with a signature area on the envelope. The window appears opaque under normal lighting conditions, but appears transparent when illuminated with light having a predetermined wavelength. A movable signature stub is positioned on top of the signature area. The voter signs the back of the envelope on the signature stub, thereby imprinting a signature on the signature area by transferring a material from the signature stub to the signature area, and moves the signature stub. The flap of the envelope is then sealed, thereby covering the voter's signature in the signature area with the window of the envelope flap. To read the signature, light having the predetermined wavelength can be directed onto the window, thereby rendering the window transparent and the signature visible.

Abstract: A system for enabling reliable verification of items being purchased using a self checkout system. The self checkout system is equipped with a verification mark dispenser and verification mark detectors that respectively dispenses a mark on an item as the item is being scanned for purchasing and then verifies, by detecting the mark on the item, that the item being bagged (or passed through the tunnel) is the same item that was scanned. When a customer scans an item for purchase, and if purchase transaction is successful, a mark (made of a non-reactive but detectable material or ink) is placed on the exterior packaging of the item. When the item is placed in the tunnel, the detector, sensitive to the activation of the specific marking and located at or in the tunnel, detects the marking on the item. If the activated marking is not detected by the detector, an alert condition is triggered.

Abstract: Embodiments of a printed security mark and a process are disclosed.