Abstract: Embodiments for electro-optical identification are disclosed.

Abstract: The major object of the invention is to provide a volume-type hologram resin composition and a surface relief-type hologram resin composition having a high effect of preventing forgery and excellent in foil cutting, as well as a hologram layer and a hologram transfer foil using thereof. To achieve the object, there is provided a volume-type hologram resin composition having at least one kind of photopolymerizable compound, a photopolymerization initiator and fine particles, wherein the fine particles show magnetic resonance.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for reading out X-ray information stored in storage phosphor plates with an input unit, (12) for inputting a plurality of cassettes (14, 28, 32) which can be stacked one behind the other in a direction of stacking (S) within the input unit (12), has an oblong accommodation well (30) for accommodating one of the cassettes (32), the accommodation well (30) being adjacent to the input unit (12), a moving device (50) for horizontally moving the cassette (32) accommodated by the accommodation well (30) along a path of movement, and a deflection element (64, 66) for deflecting a next cassette located within the input unit (12) which is adjacent to the cassette (32) accommodated by the accommodation well (30) and projects at least partially into the path of movement, the deflection element (64, 66) being positioned and designed such that with horizontal movement of the cassette (32) located within the accommodation well (30), due to contact between the cassette (32) located within the accommodation

Abstract: A photoluminescent marking that includes at least one functional overlayer is disclosed. The overlayer generally provides for at least one of selective filtration, reflection and absorption of wavelengths that may cause photolytic degradation of underlying photoluminescent materials. A method of fabrication is provided.

Abstract: A reader device (1) includes a mounting surface (5) on which a passport (7) with a page to be read (9) is placed, a light source (21, 31) for illuminating the page to be read (9), and a camera (13) for picking up an image of the page to be read (9). The light source (21, 31) is arranged outside a front area of the page to be read. The page to be read (9) contains a near-edge code positioned close to an edge of the page to be read (9). The light source (21, 31) includes an infrared LED array (23) and a white LED array (33). An infrared LED (25e) and a white LED (35f) included in the infrared LED array (23) and the white LED array (33), respectively, and located at a near-edge code position corresponding to the near-edge code are arranged closer to the page to be read than the other infrared LEDs (25a to 25d) and white LEDs (35a to 35e) in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface (5).

Abstract: A photoluminescent marking that includes at least one functional overlayer is disclosed. The overlayer generally provides for at least one of selective filtration, reflection and absorption of wavelengths that may cause photolytic degradation of underlying photoluminescent materials. A method of fabrication is provided.

Abstract: Optical device which is designed to read information in the form of luminescent symbols and images, which consists of an illuminator with an array of light emitting diodes which excite luminescence and an optical system which projects the information which is being read onto the sensor of the scanner of the optoelectronic system which consists of an electronic control circuit, optical filter and objective lens with a light-guiding lamp which is provided with an output window, and which is connected to the housing of the data collection terminal or scanner by a constructive connection and switching connections for controlling the light emitting diodes of the device, characterized in that the switching connections between the scanner and device are implemented optically by photosensors which control the illuminator and sighting system, which are mounted in the housing of the device, and which receive the light pulses of the scanner.

Abstract: Disclosed are photoluminescent markings that contain a photoluminescent layer and one or more functional overlayers wherein the photoluminescent marking has an emission signature that lies partly or fully in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. One functional overlayer conceals the photoluminescent layer and blends into the background or blends with marks that are normally present, without significantly reducing the luminescent intensity of the photoluminescent layer. Another functional overlayer provides photolytic stability to the underlying photoluminescent layer. Also disclosed are functional overlayers that enhance the daytime observability of the infrared emissions. A further functional overlayer prevents the observability of a printed message with the naked eye. A combination of functional overlayers each providing a different function is also included.

Abstract: This optical coding device comprises a plurality of aggregates suitable for emitting infrared, visible or ultraviolet rays by luminescence, at least one of the said aggregates comprising at least one luminophore. This aggregate further comprises at least one particle consisting of a surface plasmon effect material, the said luminophore and the said particle being suitable for entering into interaction.

Abstract: Provided are photoluminescent markings that contain a photoluminescent layer and one or more functional overlayers wherein the photoluminescent marking has an emission signature that lies partly or fully in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. One functional overlayer conceals the photoluminescent layer and blends into the background or blends with marks that are normally present, without significantly reducing the luminescent intensity of the photoluminescent layer. Another functional overlayer provides photolytic stability to the underlying photoluminescent layer. The invention also includes functional overlayers that enhance the daytime observability of the infrared emissions. A further functional overlayer prevents the observability of a printed message with the naked eye. A combination of functional overlayers each providing a different function is also included. As well, the present invention includes a multifunctional overlayer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the machine-reading of markings on/in transparent, especially pane-type, marking carriers, especially glass panes, according to which the marking carrier (2) is illuminated with UV light at least during the period of a machine-reading process of a marking, especially by means of a reading device (4), in order to increase the contrast between a marking (5) and the marking carrier (2). The invention also relates to a device for the machine-reading of markings in transparent, especially pane-type, marking carriers, especially glass panes, comprising at least one reading device (4) for markings arranged on/in a marking carrier, and at least one illumination device (4) is provided for increasing the contrast between a marking (5) and the surrounding transparent marking carrier (2) by illuminating the marking carrier (2) with UV light.

Abstract: We provide an apparatus and method for analysing a security document using x-rays. A security thread is provided in a security thread region of the document. An x-ray source illuminates the security document and an x-ray detector receives x-rays from the security thread region of the document and generates a corresponding detector response. A processor analyses the detector response and generates an output signal indicative of the structure of a security thread present within the region.

Abstract: A security mark (130) that comprises a metamaterial such that properties of the metamaterial provides authentication of the security mark (130). The metamaterial may have a negative refractive index. An article may be secured by applying the metamaterial to the article such that properties of the metamaterial authenticate the article. The metamaterial may be arranged to form an image (160) when illuminated by terahertz radiation.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention discloses a film element for detecting authenticity, particularly for security elements, security papers, documents of value, coins, chips, and the like, wherein it includes a transparent film and/or a motif layer or a structured layer, including or representing a luminescent motif. The transparent film is preferably made of polycarbonate or PMMA, and the luminescent motif is preferably introduced into the film element via laser processing, particularly laser engraving, via steel embossing or gravure printing or a kiss-cut method or via perforation.

Abstract: A method for the recognition of an authenticating mark on the surface of a packaging foil or an article by visual and/or electronic recognition through an envelope, where ultrasonic or X-ray techniques are performed. The authenticating mark includes at least one embossed authenticating mark having finest structures in the micrometer range, and the surface of the packaging foil or of the area of the article in which the authenticating mark is embossed being metallized or made of metal. A package need not be opened or destroyed for inspection and the authenticating marks are not distinguishable from the outside in visible light.

Abstract: A laser light beam scanning device for reading coded information includes an emission source of a laser light beam, an optical element for scanning the laser light beam on a support containing coded information, an optical element for collecting the light coming from the support and photodetector means sensitive to the light collected by the collecting optical element so as to generate a representative signal of the information contained in the support. The collecting optical element is spatially distinct from, and integrally oscillating with, the scanning optical element and includes at least one transmissive input surface of the light coming from the support. In particular, the scanning optical element and the collecting optical element are part of a single scanning and light collecting optical element.

Abstract: A method of identifying a source of a substance incorporating one or more luminescent markers comprises illuminating the substance to stimulate emission from at least one of the luminescent markers. A luminescent signature is generated from the detected luminescent emission. The source of the substance is identified based on a match between the generated luminescent signature and a pre-defined luminescent signature.

Abstract: A thermal signature device according to this invention enables a firefighter to be located with a thermal imaging camera. The device includes an infrared emitting element having a predetermined frequency. The emitting element is situated in a housing that may be temporarily fastened to a firefighter's clothing and manually actuated by the firefighter with a pushbutton to emit infrared signals that may be identified by an infrared camera. The thermal signature device may include a receiver in data communication with the emitting-element such that the emitter may be actuated by a remote transmitter. The housing may include a permanent fastener such as adhesive such that the firefighter may selectively attach the housing to a stationary object, such as a wall, where it may be more visible or to another person in distress. A location determining system utilizing the thermal signature device provides an infrared camera for detecting the emitter-element.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising an ion guide. The ion guide comprises a hollow tubular conductor (1) having a wall. One or more electrodes are provided in the wall of the tubular conductor (1). An exit aperture (3) is provided in the wall of the tubular conductor (1) downstream of the one or more electrodes (2). An AC or RF voltage is applied to the one or more electrodes (2) and a DC potential difference is maintained between the wall of the tubular conductor (1) and the one or more electrodes (2). The combination of a DC voltage gradient and applying an AC or RF voltage to the electrodes (2) is that ions are confined radially to a region which is preferably close to the one or more electrodes (2). Ions are preferably extracted from the ion guide via the exit aperture (3) by maintaining a pressure gradient between the inside of the tubular conductor (1) and the outside of the tubular conductor (1) and/or by maintaining a DC electric field which acts to extract ions through the exit aperture (3).

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

Abstract: The present application aims to propose a solution for embedding invisible mark suitable for very large production volumes. This is achieved by a method for applying an invisible mark on a media based on a pattern, and comprising the following steps: determining an area to apply this mark, applying a transparent or semi-transparent substance, on the media, said substance being modulated with the active dots to form the pattern by modifying the quantity of the substance at each active dot.

Abstract: A thermal signature device according to this invention enables a firefighter to be located with a thermal imaging camera. The device includes an infrared emitting element having a predetermined frequency. The emitting element is situated in a housing that may be temporarily fastened to a firefighter's clothing and manually actuated by the firefighter with a pushbutton to emit infrared signals that may be identified by an infrared camera. The thermal signature device may include a receiver in data communication with the emitting-element such that the emitter may be actuated by a remote transmitter. The housing may include a permanent fastener such as adhesive such that the firefighter may selectively attach the housing to a stationary object, such as a wall, where it may be more visible or to another person in distress. A location determining system utilizing the thermal signature device provides an infrared camera for detecting the emitter-element.

Abstract: A system of marked medical containers comprises at least two containers having different properties in at least one respect, and at least one machine-readable marking on each of the containers, each marking being designed to allow discrimination between the difference in properties. Each marking allows discrimination between the difference by having at least one area with different absorbence or reflectance when irradiated with radiation in non-visible frequency ranges. A specific container comprises a syringe cartridge type container for use with a preparation delivery device.

Abstract: A lock module includes a transmitting module to continuously transmit multiple colored light rays, a key adapted to be inserted into the keyhole of the lock and having multiple colored optical lenses each permitting a specific colored light ray to pass therethrough and a receiving module to receive, store and compare the colored light rays from the multiple colored optical lenses to identify whether the key inserted into the keyhole is accurate. After an initial process of storing the sequence of the colored light rays by the receiving module, the receiving module is able to use stored information to compare the colored light rays subsequently passing through the colored optical lenses of another key to check whether the subsequent key is the accurate key.

Abstract: A system and method for authenticating a multi-sided die by viewing the die under invisible ultraviolet light. A die body has a plurality of sides of substantially equal area. A plurality of visible markings for indicating a roll of the die are disposed on the die sides. One or more of the markings include a substance which visibly reacts with invisible ultraviolet light. One or more authentication marks including a substance which visibly reacts with invisible ultraviolet light are arranged in a selected pattern on one or more of the die sides. A position of the authentication mark or marks in the selected pattern corresponds to the visible marking having a substance which visibly reacts with invisible ultraviolet light. An overlay key correlates the position of the authentication mark with the visible marking.

Abstract: Security documents or articles carrying luminescent marker compounds which show a time-deferred emission characteristic are authenticated by a method and device which allows for rapid extraction of characteristic luminescent parameters, such as emission intensity and time constants. The method is not sensitive to perturbations by ambient light and reduces optical filtering requirements.

Abstract: An infrared banknote acceptor for use to verify the authenticity of banknotes is constructed to include a housing, the housing having a base adapted to hold the banknote to be verified, a light source adapted to emit an infrared light beam onto the banknote carried on the base of the housing for verification, an image pickup adapted to receive infrared light reflected by the ink of the banknote carried on the base of the housing for verification and to convert received infrared light signal into video signal, and a display unit adapted to receive and display the video signal outputted from the image pickup.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method and device for identification and authentication of an object by means of coded information applied to the object. The function of said method and device is based on the principle of a laser scanner comprising two photoelectric detectors provided with decoding devices. In a first measuring channel and in classical manner an open coding in the form of a barcode is registered based on the different reflection/absorption of light at dark and light spots. In a second measuring channel the coded safety information applied on the same object is detected. By preference, the latter information is applied in form of luminescent safety pigments/coloring substances. By means of the source of light of the barcode scanner said safety pigments/coloring substances are excited at a defined optical wave length and show a specific luminescence in another wave length band. By preference, the detector device of the second measuring channel is provided with a wave length selecting element.

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: A print media has a visible image and a plurality of invisible encodements comprising data printed over it in a hierarchy order, wherein the encodement of the highest order represents a replacement or edited version of the data of lower order encodements. Apparatus and methods provide effectively editing of an existing invisible encodement printed on media with a material sensitive to a first light wavelength by printing an edited or replacement encodement over it with a material sensitive to a second light wavelength of higher order in the hierarchy. Apparatus and methods also provide for selectively reading the highest order encodement, all of the encodements or selected ones of the encodements.

Abstract: A sensor is proposed for authenticity identification of luminescent identification features on documents, in which the identification feature is illuminated with an excitation wavelength and may respond at a different wavelength, with the response wavelength being detected and evaluated by a radiation receiver. The focused beam emitted from a beam source is converted by focusing optics in such a manner that a scanning line, which is approximately in the form of a bar, is projected on the surface of the document to be investigated, which causes the signet, which is arranged on the document, to fluoresce at least in one subregion, and the fluorescence signal produced in this way is passed via detection objects to an evaluation unit, which evaluates the fluorescence signal.

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: The invention discloses an improved method and a device implementing said method for the authentication of security documents or articles carrying luminescent marker compounds which show a time-deferred emission characteristic. The method allows a rapid extraction of characteristic luminescence parameters, such as emission intensity and time constants. The method is not sensitive to perturbations by ambient light and reduces the optical filtering requirements.

Abstract: In an apparatus for reading codes of a thermoluminescence detector, a housing including an optical unit is disposed on a base together with a disc-like magazine, which is rotatably supported adjacent the housing and provided with an annular array of recesses receiving the thermoluminescence detectors to be examined. The housing has a side opening through which the magazine extends into the housing, in which a light source is disposed for the homogeneous illumination of the thermoluminescence detectors from one side thereof, A CCD camera is disposed in the housing at the other side of the magazine for recording the illuminescence generated by the detectors when exposed to the light from the light source for determining the radiation exposure of thermoluminescence detectors.

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

Abstract: A covert mark (1) which may be applied to an article (2) comprises a fluorescent or phosphorescent material and has a unidirectionally aligned structure. Upon illumination of the mark (1) with ultraviolet radiation (3a), the mark (1) emits polarised fluorescent or phosphorescent radiation (3a) of characteristic radiation. The mark (1) may therefore be used in a system for covertly marking and checking the authenticity of a genuine article (2) whereby polarised fluorescent or phosphorescent radiation (3b) emitted from the mark (1) is incident on linearly polarising material. Detecting polarised fluorescent or phosphorescent radiation (3b) of characteristic wavelength and polarisation provides an indication of the authenticity of the article (2). By varying the orientation of the linearly polarising material, the plane of polarisation of radiation transmitted by the material is varied and a characteristic flashing effect is observed.

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

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a test pattern used in the alignment of an ink-jet pen which deposits fixer fluid, or other clear ink precursor fluid, or even colored ink fluid, on print media incorporates a colorless chemical marker in the fixer that is either infrared- or ultraviolet-sensitive and can either be observed using IR-sensitive detectors or visually, respectively, upon application of IR (or near-IR) radiation or UV radiation, respectively. Thus, data may be obtained with respect to deviations in a carriage-scan x-axis and a paper scan y-axis. Thus, the teachings of the present invention permit a determination of the extent of misdirected or missing nozzles.

Abstract: A mark to be detected containing a fluorescent substance capable of emitting light of a wavelength different from that of an exciting light, containing: a data area formed with a pattern corresponding to data to be recorded; and a lead-in area formed at a site that is scanned prior to irradiation with the exciting light upon the data area, the lead-in area continuing a sufficient length greater than the longest continuous portion of the pattern formed at the data area, and the lead-in area that is formed at the site containing a fluorescent substance.

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

Abstract: A spectrum analyzer determines the light emission characteristics of an authentication mark that is invisible when illuminated with visible light but is visible when illuminated with IR light.

Abstract: A method of ascertaining imaging quality in a computed radiography (CR) system includes providing a substrate having fluorescent test pattern disposed thereon. The substrate is disposed in place of the standard storage-phosphor screen and scanned as if reading out a storage screen. The detected signals form a read-out image which is then compared against the test pattern to judge image quality.

Abstract: An invisible information detection apparatus includes parts that irradiate a light onto a medium, detect infrared light generated from the medium, and judge a specific pattern consisting of a combination of two areas on the medium in accordance with the detection result. One of the areas represents higher reflectance than the reflectance of the medium in substantially the same infrared wavelength region, and the other area represents lower reflectance than that of the medium. An invisible information detection method comprises an irradiation step, a detection step and a judgment step. The judgment step judges a specific pattern of a combination of two areas on the medium in accordance with the result from the detection step. One of the areas represents higher reflectance, and the other area represents lower reflectance, as compared to the reflectance of the medium, in substantially the same infrared wavelength region.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing sheet material includes an illumination device which illuminates the sheet material continually and in the total spectral region to be tested, and a receiving device having at least two linear parallel CCD arrays. A filter transmitting a certain spectral region is mounted on each CCD array. The individual filters are selected so that at least one transmits in the visible spectral region and one in the invisible spectral region. For detection of the light diffusely reflected or transmitted by the sheet material, the individual CCD arrays produce electric signals from the received light which are then processed in an evaluation device and compared with reference data for testing the sheet material.

Abstract: A playing cards security system for detecting when additional playing cards are added to a deck of playing cards. The system includes a deck of playing cards where each playing card of the deck of playing cards has predetermined indicia provided thereon. The predetermined indicia of the each of the playing cards is the same as the predetermined indicia of the other playing cards of the deck of playing cards. The predetermined indicia is viewable under ultra-violet light and hidden from view under ambient light.

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: A method and apparatus for processing a medium on which an identification mark is formed using a plurality of recording materials having fluorescent characteristics in wavelength regions almost overlapping with each other and having maximum absorbing characteristics at different wavelengths. The method and apparatus include the features of detecting, on the medium, the identification mark which is comprised of the plurality of recording materials and controlling an operation of a processing apparatus in accordance with a result of the detecting of the identification mark.

Abstract: An information carrier is in the form of a composite laminate with a first, a second and a third layer having refractive indices n3, n4, n5 respectively. The second layer forms structures by only partially covering the first layer. The third layer covers over the second layer or the first layer in direct contact therewith. The surface on the first layer has surface elements with first and second diffraction structures which produce a visually verifiable authenticity feature or which serve for reading out the information contained in the structures formed by the second layer. The refractive indices n4 and n5 are substantially real in the visible range and therefore the second and third layers are transparent. The differences .vertline.n4-n3.vertline. and .vertline.n5-n3.vertline. are greater than 0.2 over large parts of the visible range so that the first diffraction structures produce visible diffraction effects independently of the structures formed by the second layer.

Abstract: A microwave oven and a cash register system of a store in which an employee of a store, who is requested to operate the microwave oven, can run the store efficiently while reducing the waiting time for shoppers and suppressing losses deriving from incorrect operation of the microwave oven. The microwave oven includes an irradiator for irradiating microwaves to heat articles, an article information reader for reading article information from an article information recording medium arranged on the surface of the article, and a heating control unit for controlling the irradiator to operate at a condition determined based on the article information read by the article information reader.