Abstract: A print medium is encoded with information bearing indicia. A transparent layer or substrate which receives the printed information during printing has a first surface, a second surface and a leading edge. A strip of tape is applied to the first surface. A machine readable information bearing indicia is applied to at least one surface of the tape strip. The indicia is formed by a pattern of fluorescent material which upon excitation by radiation of a given spectral excitation range emits radiation in a fluorescent spectral range. The tape reflects radiation in the given excitation spectral range and in the fluorescent spectral range. One type of indicia is a bar code pattern, although other types can also be employed.

Abstract: Wireless tags with a plurality of non-equivalent current pathways altered to collectively represent encoded information, each of which responds differently to an interrogation signal. The element is subjected to a signal stimulating the current pathways, each of which contributes to an overall element response. The information may be recovered from the salient features of this overall response. These salient features include resonant frequency, amplitude, relative peak position, relative peak amplitude, damping, and Q factor.

Abstract: In the event of the shipment of electronic tags from a manufacturer to a customer, a number of the electronic tags required by the customer are adhered to a double-faced adhesive tape and then the double-faced adhesive tape is wound on a reel. Then, this reel is contained in a case and shipped to the customer. The electronic tag is adhered to an article in the following manner. That is, the double-faced adhesive tape is cut to obtain pieces of the electronic tags, and the cover tape on the rear surface of the double-faced adhesive tape is peeled, and then, the electronic tag is adhered to the article by the use of the double-faced adhesive tape.

Abstract: Macroelectronic substrate materials incorporating nanowires are described. These are used to provide underlying electronic elements (e.g., transistors and the like) for a variety of different applications. Methods for making the macroelectronic substrate materials are disclosed. One application is for transmission an reception of RF signals in small, lightweight sensors. Such sensors can be configured in a distributed sensor network to provide security monitoring. Furthermore, a method and apparatus for a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is described. The RFID tag includes an antenna and a beam-steering array. The beam-steering array includes a plurality of tunable elements. A method and apparatus for an acoustic cancellation device and for an adjustable phase shifter that are enabled by nanowires are also described.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting parallel marketing of an item, include forming at least one of a coating and a code on the item, interrogating the at least one of the coating and said code, and determining from the interrogating whether the item has been transferred from an authorized merchant to an unauthorized merchant.

Abstract: A method of annotating an item with electronic data is described which comprises securing a memory tag to the item, the memory tag having a memory and a transponder to enable wireless communication with the memory tag, and having an external dimension D. The memory tag is adapted for wireless communication only with a transceiver located within a distance of 10D of the memory tag.

Abstract: The antenna and the electronic control circuit of the transponder are contained in a totally hermetical metallic enclosure. The antenna of the reader is protected from the environment by a metallic front plate that is integral with the enclosure containing the electronic control circuit. In a preferred embodiment, the enclosure is hermetically tight. These embodiments fulfill the longstanding need to obtain completely tight elements that are resistant to industrial aggressions.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and apparatus for detecting and/or identifying analytes, using arrays of binding moieties. In preferred embodiments, the arrays are attached to glass slides. Fluorescent signals obtained from the slides are analyzed by a digital image subtraction method. In preferred embodiments, the glass slides are labeled using a binary code that may be used to identify the lot number and/or date of manufacture of the arrays.

Abstract: Disclosed is a holographic card for storing data in holographic format in accordance with the present invention includes a holographic layer for containing holographic information and a transparent protective layer overlaying the holographic layer. The holographic layer includes at least a first data section with machine readable holographic data. The card also includes a second data section containing either or both presentation or security data. The second data section is preferably included in the holographic layer, but can also be separate therefrom, particularly when non-holographic data is contained therein.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods of luminescent identification and calibration. In certain embodiments, items are simultaneously attached to a luminescent label, one or more luminescent calibration spots and one or more sample spots containing binding moieties. In preferred embodiments, the binding moieties are antibodies. In other preferred embodiments, target molecules that bind to the binding moieties are detected using the same luminescent tag as is found in the luminescent label and the calibration spots. In more preferred embodiments, the luminescent tag is Alexa Fluor 647. The label is of use to identify each array and the binding moieties found in each sample spot. The calibration spots are of use to more accurately quantify the amount of target compound attached to each sample spot. The methods provide for a more rapid preparation of labeled arrays of binding moieties, while minimizing the possibility of array contamination.

Abstract: The present invention provides a secured document including a composition capable of anti-Stokes fluorescence containing an ion capable of absorption of electromagnetic radiation, an ion capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation, and a matrix composition comprising gadolinium, yttrium, lanthanum, and thulium, wherein the wavelength of the absorbed electromagnetic radiation is shorter than the wavelength of the emitted of the absorbed electromagnetic radiation, and wherein the concentrations of the absorbing and emitting ions are adjusted to achieve concentration quenching of anti-Stokes luminescence.

Abstract: A mixture of isotopes is provided which may be embedded into an article such as a motor vehicle, software or other articles so that they may be detected by a Geiger counter or other emission detector for identification purposes as well as to provide a chronological record of the article according to the half-lives of the isotopes chosen for the mixture. The isotopes should be chosen having regard to half-lives of the order of time of the life of the article.

Abstract: An authenticated card (10) comprises a flat card body (12) being formed with at least one region thereon (14) being irreversibly transformable from a first state to a second state, the second state being identifiable by a card holder as different from the first state.

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: In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for forming a full color laser engraved image on an ID card. As described below, a special image capable layer is prepared that is addressable by one or more near infrared (NIR) lasers. Each type of particle contained within the image capable layer is associated with a particular color (e.g., cyan, magenta, or yellow) and is responsive (i.e., can selectively absorb) a particular wavelength of laser energy to form a laser engraved pixel in that respective color. In one embodiment, the particles are selected such that the wavelengths that they respond to do not overlap significantly. By providing discrete physical particles and preventing a given particle from responding to more than one laser wavelength, it can be possible to minimize so-called “cross talk” between the cyan, magenta, and yellow centers and minimize contamination and/or chemical mixing of image formers. This helps to ensure image accuracy and quality.

Abstract: A wireless radio frequency identification device is fabricated from a substrate formed to have conductive lines, at least a portion of which comprise an antenna. An integrated circuit chip and a battery are conductively bonded to the conductive lines on the substrate. A visible spectrum colored liquid resin and a visible spectrum substantially colorless liquid hardener are combined into an epoxy mixture. The liquid hardener has a fluorescent material received therein. Radiation is impinged onto the epoxy mixture effective to cause the fluorescent material to fluoresce. From the fluorescing fluorescent material, degree of homogeneity in the epoxy mixture can be determined. Upon achieving desired homogeneity, the substrate with chip and battery are encapsulated in the epoxy mixture, with the epoxy mixture being cured.

Abstract: A print medium is encoded with information bearing indicia. A transparent layer or substrate which receives the printed information during printing has a first surface, a second surface and a leading edge. A strip of tape is applied to the first surface. A machine readable information bearing indicia is applied to at least one surface of the tape strip. The indicia is formed by a pattern of fluorescent material which upon excitation by radiation of a given spectral excitation range emits radiation in a fluorescent spectral range. The tape reflects radiation in the given excitation spectral range and in the fluorescent spectral range. In another embodiment, the strip of tape is applied to the first surface of the layer of the print medium, and has a top surface which is exposed when the tape strip is applied to the print medium and a bottom surface adjacent the first surface of the print medium. A first machine readable information bearing indicia is applied to the top surface of the tape strip.

Abstract: A card reader of the present invention is useful in a dimly lit light condition, such as in a casino. The card reader includes a front member or bezel made of a fluorescent plastic and a UV lamp for irradiating UV light to the front member. When exposed to UV light, the fluorescent plastic absorbs the UV light and emits light in the visible spectrum. The light emitted from the front member aids a card user in inserting a card into the slot of the card reader in a dimly lit light condition.

Abstract: In a method for producing printed products of a similar kind in accordance with stored or input data, a machine-readable invisible or visible code for identification purposes is applied onto an outer side of the printed product. The visible code is removed during processing. The finished printed product is free of any visible code that could disrupt the appearance of the printed product.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing an identification document is provided. A substrate is provided that is constructed and arranged to receive printing thereon. A first variable indicium is printed on the substrate, where the first variable indicium is not visible to the human eye in ambient light but is visible to the human eye when viewed using a first type of light.

Abstract: An apparatus for marking objects is disclosed. The apparatus comprises (a) a source device including a mother isotope for emitting daughter isotopes by radioactive decay; preferably (b) a positioning mechanism for positioning an object in close proximity to the source device; and (c) a patterning mechanism for restricting implantation of the daughter isotopes into a surface of the object, so as to create a detectable pattern of the daughter isotopes on the object.

Abstract: The present system for the secure execution of credit based point of sale purchases uses a credit card that is devoid of any human readable customer account information on the face of the credit card and that encodes all the relevant account information on read only media built into the credit card. This encoded information can be encrypted or protected is some manner to prevent its retrieval by an unauthorized user. In addition, the present system makes use of a point of sale terminal to execute the transaction. In the transaction, the point of sale terminal scans the credit card to obtain the account information encoded therein and the user then inputs a personal identification number PIN to proceed to the next step of the charge process. The PIN number can be used as the cryptokey if the account information is encrypted on the card, or may simply represent a first level of user authentication.

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 multi-spectral imager and the applications of same for the marking and coding of, for example, textiles, linens, garments, documents and packages for high-speed machine identification and sortation. Specific uses include garment and textile rental operations, laundry operations, and the postal and mail sortation of documents and packages. Methods and apparatus are provided to identify items via information encoded within an applied mark, as well as a novel mark reading/decoding scheme. A method is disclosed for printing fluorescent marks on an item, such as a heat-sealable label, to generate a unique identification number or indicia, as well as a reader system for reading applied marks.

Abstract: A system and a method for converting markings made on media with a marking agent into a digital form representing the markings. The system of the present invention includes a marking device and an illumination digital scanning device. The marking device can be a manual or machine marking device, each containing the marking agent. The marking agent is dispensed by the marking device onto the media. The marking agent is a chemical that emits a certain radiation frequency set when illuminated by an illumination frequency set. The illumination digital scanning device converts the markings of the marking agent into a digital form. The method of the present invention includes marking the media with the marking agent, illuminating the markings to cause the marking agent to radiate at the radiation frequency set and converting the radiation into a digital form representing the markings.

Abstract: A portable fluorescence scanner has single or multiple excitation sources at various non-visible wavelengths. If multiple non-visible sources are used, they are disposed in alignment with a selector controllable to select any of the sources. The selected beam illuminates a target article which, if authentic, has been marked with certain fluorescent material(s), and fluorescent light returns, along an optical path that may include a beam splitter, to a photodetector whose signal is processed and analyzed by a digital signal processor (DSP). The DSP also either controls the deflector or receives a signal from a transducer indicating the deflector's orientation, or both. The invention may be configured as a hand-held fluorescence scanner. Multiple UV laser diode or UV LED sources can be arranged in an array, which may be linear.

Abstract: A roll thermosensitive recording material is wound about a winding core, which has a hole code disposed in an end surface. The end surface has a black color. The hole code includes plural holes formed in the end surface at a regular depth, and has a hole base face with a white color. In a code reader, a code detecting photo sensor is set so as to adapt a detection distance thereof to the hole base face, and detects the white color from the hole base face, to read the holes. A code inspecting photo sensor is set so as to adapt a detection distance thereof to the end surface, for inspecting the end surface. The winding core is detected unacceptable if the code inspecting photo sensor detects the white color from the end surface.

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: The invention is a transaction card having a base comprising a core of substantially transparent material with a plurality of coats, on at least one of the core's surfaces, of a material which is substantially transparent to humanly visible light and which is opaque to light in the infrared portion of the light spectrum. The invention is also a method for manufacturing a transaction card having an area which is substantially transparent to humanly visible light and which may be detected by card readers, such as ATMs and card printers. The method includes the steps of forming a core of substantially transparent plastic and applying a plurality of coats of material to at least one surface of the core, which material is substantially transparent to humanly visible light and which is opaque to light in the infrared portion of the light spectrum.

Abstract: A value or security product such as a banknote, ID card or the like, is provided with luminescent security elements which are excitable in an electromagnetic alternating field. A production method of applying the required colors and substances to the value or security product is also provided. Also included is a respective security technology arrangement for visual and machine-operated detection of authenticity, where electrical fields in particular and optical radiation, preferably in the UV wavelength range, are used to excite so-called phosphorous colors, and additional optical effects in the visible UV wavelength range can be achieved by secondary excitation mechanisms.

Abstract: Disclosed is a holographic card for storing data in holographic format in accordance with the present invention includes a holographic layer for containing holographic information and a transparent protective layer overlaying the holographic layer. The holographic layer includes at least a first data section with machine readable holographic data. The card also includes a second data section containing either or both presentation or security data. The second data section is preferably included in the holographic layer, but can also be separate therefrom, particularly when non-holographic data is contained therein.

Abstract: A marking system for use with a multi-spectral imager for use in high throughput sortation of articles having distorted or irregular surfaces is disclosed. Specific uses include, but are not limited to, document sorting, garment and textile rental operations, laundry operations, and mail and package sorting and identification. Methods and apparatus are provided to remotely identify items via information that is wavelength-encoded within an applied mark, as well as a mark reading/decoding scheme. In the preferred embodiment the marks are multi-dimensional. In one preferred embodiment the marks are used to realize multi-dimensional wavelength-enabled coding schemes. The marks can be overlayed one upon another and/or they can contain one or more key regions having at least one predetermined spectral characteristic for providing information related at least to reading and/or decoding the marks.

Abstract: A method of printing a composite image composed of a postage indicia image and an adjacent nondescript image on an image receiving medium is disclosed. The postage indicia image contains alpha-numeric data which must be machine readable and therefore must be printed with a high quality water fast ink, and is printed with a printing device utilizing ink jet technology. The nondescript image is merely a flag image containing fluorescent material and does not contain alpha-numeric data that must be machine readable, and therefore can be printed by any other suitable printer using commercially available fluorescent ink.

Abstract: A method of forming on a flexible backing strip a decorative thermal-transfer film containing graphics defined by images and/or texts and by a progressive identification code (bar code, alphanumeric code, etc.) assigned to each graphic; the method providing for applying on the backing strip a first polymer film, on which the graphics are screen printed, and the respective progressive identification codes are thermographically printed; and a second polymer film is then applied on the first film, so that the graphics and associated identification codes are interposed and packed between the two polymer films to form the decorative film. The polymer films are made of polymer materials compatible with both the screen printing and thermographic printing inks and/or pigments used.

Abstract: A multi-spectral imager and the applications of same for the marking and coding of, for example, textiles, linens, garments, documents and packages for high-speed machine identification and sortation. Specific uses include garment and textile rental operations, laundry operations, and the postal and mail sortation of documents and packages. Methods and apparatus are provided to identify items via information encoded within an applied mark, as well as a novel mark reading/decoding scheme. A method is disclosed for printing fluorescent marks on an item, such as a heat-sealable label, to generate a unique identification number or indicia, as well as a reader system for reading applied marks.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a remote intelligent communications device includes providing a substrate having conductive lines formed thereon. The conductive lines include an antenna. An integrated circuit chip and a battery are bonded to the conductive lines on the substrate. A liquid resin and a liquid hardener are provided. At least one of the liquid resin and the liquid hardener has a fluorescent material therein. The liquid resin and the liquid hardener are combined into a liquid epoxy mixture. Radiation is impinged onto the liquid epoxy mixture effective to cause the fluorescent material to fluoresce. From the fluorescing fluorescent material, degree of homogeneity in the liquid epoxy mixture is determined. Upon achieving desired homogeneity, the substrate with chip and battery is encapsulated in the liquid epoxy mixture. After encapsulating, the liquid epoxy mixture is cured into a solid mass.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of marking an article to enable its identification, the method comprising: applying to the article a conductive path, which is at least partially coated with a dye layer comprising at least one compound selected from voltage sensitive fluorescent dye (VSFD), mixture of such dyes, electro luminescent (EEL) compound, OLED compound or mixtures thereof the dye layer being excitable to emit fluorescent radiation, which serves to identify the article. The invention also provides an RE tag utilizing the above-described method.

Abstract: A system and method of marking goods for authentication and tracking purposes is described. The system and method include a central control which enables the system. The method and system are accomplished in real time affording manufacturers the ability to eliminate problems associated with counterfeiting and diversion which begin at one or more manufacturing site which are remote from central control. A central control unit enables the system by providing an allotment of marks to one or more host units. Each host unit directs marking terminals to mark, at locations remote from the host units, particular goods or packages with specific information encoding symbols. Items are preferably marked directly with dyes containing one or more active compounds, but alternately can be identified by means of affixed fixtures which are marked with encoding symbols either prior to, or subsequent to, affixing to the items. Following marking, items are scanned to insure proper marking.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for performing a transaction using a translucent, transparent or semitransparent transaction card with a transaction card sensing device includes a transaction card of a material capable of passing visible light, such as clear PVC, and an infrared filter which is capable of passing visible light while preventing passage of infrared light in a predetermined range of wavelengths emitted by an infrared light source of the transaction card sensing device. When the transaction card is dipped in the card sensing device, the infrared light filter interrupts the passage of infrared light from the infrared light emitting source to an infrared light sensor of the transaction card sensing device, and the infrared light sensor generates a signal indicative of the presence of the transaction card in the card sensing device in response to the interruption.

Abstract: A label for a component is provided with a continuous color tone background at least in segments of the label that can be detected as to a configuration using selected colored light sources which reflect from the different color tones of the label. A sensor can be used for discriminating between the reflection patterns from the light sources. A continuous color tone on the label changing smoothly from one color to others is applied to make a uniform shading from one color at one end of the label to another color at a second end, with various colors between the two ends. As an added feature, a number of black appearing strips forming a bar code can be provided on the label, with some of the strips reflecting infrared light and others not reflecting infrared light, so an infrared detector can be utilized for determining the pattern of the bar code for further identification of the labeled component. The bar code pattern will not be identifiable with the naked eye.

Abstract: A portable card reader designed to be carried in a wallet or purse. In a first embodiment, the card reader has an electromagnetic head that reads information from a magnetic strip of a card. In a second embodiment, information is read from the card by an array of Hall sensors. In a further embodiment, the card reader uses a magnetic sensor based on magnetoresistive sensing of magnetic transitions of a magnetic stripe, suitable for use with small, portable electronic devices. In each embodiment, the information read from the card may be converted to a sequence of electronic bursts of predetermined frequency, preferably in the audible or ultrasound range. The sound signals are output by a speaker to the microphone of a telephone. The signal is then transmitted over the telephone lines to a remote receiver. The receiver then converts the sound bursts into signal pulses which can be read using the computer software of a conventional card reader.

Abstract: A compact noncontact communication semiconductor device having a multidirectional or omnidirectional antenna and usable in a minuscule space to which the applications have conventionally been difficult is provided. The outer peripheral portion of a spherical IC 1 is covered with an insulating layer 4 having a thickness equal to or larger than the diameter of the IC 1, and antenna patterns 2 are formed on the surface of the insulating layer 4. The antenna patterns 2 can be configured either with a winding or by microprocessing using etching or laser beam, for example, for the conductive film formed on the surface of the insulating layer 4. The antenna patterns 2 and the circuit pattern formed on the surface of the IC 1 are interconnected via a through hole 5.

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: The invention relates to a read or read-write label of an optical nature comprising a nonvolatile memory with its control circuit, a control or checking circuit for the charge of a buffer capacitor and a sequence generator making it possible to supply to the outside optical signal sequences in harmony with the states of the different circuits and analyze the optical signals coming from the outside.

Abstract: A multi-spectral imager and the applications of same for the marking and coding of, for example, textiles, linens, garments, documents and packages for high-speed machine identification and sortation. Specific uses include garment and textile rental operations, laundry operations, and the postal and mail sortation of documents and packages. Methods and apparatus are provided to identify items via information encoded within an applied mark, as well as a novel mark reading/decoding scheme. A method is disclosed for printing fluorescent marks on an item, such as a heat-sealable label, to generate a unique identification number or indicia, as well as a reader system for reading applied marks.

Abstract: An RF transponder is provided with a miniature resonant antenna that can fit on a small form factor the size of a button or coin. More particularly, the RF transponder comprises a substrate and an RF integrated circuit disposed thereon. An antenna is provided on the substrate and is electrically connected to the RF integrated circuit. The antenna has a contorted shape that permits it to fit into the limited available space on the substrate, while having an electrical length that is greater than a maximum length dimension of the substrate. Possible shapes for the antenna may include a meander antenna, a non-uniform meander antenna, a bent dipole antenna, a spiral antenna, a z-shaped dipole, a squeezed dipole antenna, or a combination of any of the antenna types. The RF transponder may further include at least one loading bar spaced from the antenna and/or at least one tuning stub coupled to the antenna.

Abstract: A chip card has a chip module, wherein the surface of the chip module contains electrically conducting contact surfaces that are arranged to be aesthetically integrated into the layout of the chip card.

Abstract: Fluorescent dichroic fibers randomly incorporated within a media provide an improved method for authentication and counterfeiting protection. The dichroism is provided by an alignment of fluorescent molecules along the length of the fibers. The fluorescent fibers provide an authentication mechanism of varying levels of capability. The authentication signature depends on four parameters, the x,y position, the dichroism and the local environment. The availability of so many non-deterministic variables makes production of counterfeit articles (e.g., currency, credit cards, etc.

Abstract: A document of value, such as a check or ID card or the like, having information specific to the document, in particular user-related data. The document having at least one luminescent area which is partially masked so as to yield a coding which is machine-readable and correlated at least with parts of the specific information in order to permit authenticity testing.

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.