Abstract: Systems and methods include tamper-evident indicators applied to a band comprising a strap that forms a closed loop. Tamper-evident sections of the indicators provide increased security against accidental and intentional removal of the indicators. Indicators are provided with adhesives and bare areas devoid of adhesive allowing easy and secure application of indicators to bands while they are being worn and with greater ease. Indicators can be further provided with liners protecting the adhesives allowing the indicators to be easily applied by gloved hands, reducing contamination risks. Contamination and wear risks can be further reduced by supplying indicators with antimicrobial surfaces and overprint varnishing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a scratch away labeling system for a package, for instance a gift bag. In an embodiment, the scratch away system integrates into a package by replacing an aperture cut into a package with a single use, scratch away surface, and then covering the surface with a peel-away film to preserve the surface prior to intended use.

Abstract: A printing system receives a print request containing patterns of marks to be printed on print media to produce printed output. A processor evaluates the print request to identify different printing densities of the patterns of marks. The processor alters the patterns of marks to create hidden features on the printed output by adding different printing densities of fluorescent spots to different areas of the patterns of marks. The different printing densities of the fluorescent spots are based on the different printing densities of the patterns of marks and on the size of the hidden features. A printing device prints the print request on the print media to produce the printed output.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a secure substrate provides a print-ready surface for printing scratch-off products and eliminates the need to print lower security layers for protecting against attempts to view hidden indicia information. In one embodiment, a secure substrate comprises applying microperforations to a dyed substrate that meets a predefined transmission optical density to resist an attempt to reduce the opacity of the dyed substrate by delamination. In another embodiment, a secure substrate comprises applying a lower opacity layer and a lower background layer on a substrate to provide a secure substrate that meets a predefined transmission optical density. In another embodiment, a secure substrate comprises applying a lower opacity layer on a substrate, applying a reflective coating, and applying a lower background layer over the reflective coating to provide a secure substrate that meets a predefined transmission optical density.

Abstract: A bottle or jar identification device comprising a multi-layer token that produces a permanent image when pressure is applied to a writing surface. The token may be affixed to the cap or cover or to the bottle or jar itself. The token can comprise a magic slate, ink meant to fail, lottery type rub-off material, microencapsulated ink, or any other material that produces an image when pressure is applied using a stylus, a fingernail, or any other sharp instrument. The token may also have an adhesive layer. The token having an adhesive layer may be applied to any surface.

Abstract: A method of playing a lottery instant scratch ticket game comprises a plurality of physical tickets, wherein each ticket provides one printed grid that is common to two different play and pay methods. The two play and pay methods are performed simultaneously, and provide differing prizes. A highest jackpot prize is offered for only one of the play methods.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting a lottery game is described. The game may include providing a player with a free pre-printed first game piece having a first set of game play data, wherein game play data on the first game piece is insufficient to ascertain an outcome of the lottery game. The game may further include receiving information identifying the first game piece and an indication the player wishes to purchase a chance in the lottery game. Responsive to receiving the indication, the game outcome may be determined and a second set of game play data chosen based on the outcome, so that a comparison of the first set of game play data and the second set game play data is indicative of the outcome of the chance according to predetermined game rules. The second set of game data may be provided to the player on a second game piece also having data associating the second game piece with the first game piece and a unique identifier.

Abstract: A forensic feature for a secure document comprises a base document layer and a covert material applied to the base document layer. The covert material includes a carrier and forensic material within the carrier. The forensic material includes a ratio of salts or oxides of metals, such as rare earth metals. The ratio is selected to correspond with a source of the document. The forensic material may be mixed into a coating or ink that is applied at predetermined locations on a secure document. The ratio is then measurable from metal ion signals of the salts or oxides. This ratio, or some metric derived from it, may be linked with information embedded elsewhere in the document to enable verification of the document. Another forensic document feature has a forensic metric that is measurable from a covert material in the document, and this forensic metric corresponds to a source of the document.

Abstract: A method for distributing and reliably redeeming electronic cash value vouchers that uses existing POS terminals. The vouchers may be distributed via mobile telephones. The voucher comprises an alphanumeric code which is entered into the standards compliant POS terminal. The system checks that the voucher is valid and provides a redemption value to the POS which can be credited by the retailer. The transaction can then be completed by the retailer using known methods.

Abstract: In a row of lottery tickets each ticket has variable image printing game data printed onto a base layer on a substrate and a series of covering layers including at least one sealing layer and at least one scratch-off layer. Simultaneously game information is printed as a multi-color digital image for each ticket using a variable image printing system. The game information graphics can indicate different values for different ones of the tickets. The tickets in the row can be of different series for sale to different retailers. The printing system automatically correlates the game data and game information to ensure no registration errors thus allowing much improved variability and allowing the game to take into account both game data and game information in determining a winning ticket.

Abstract: A verifying system includes an object to be verified and a verifying end. The object to be verified includes an identifying code covered with a one-time removable and opaque shielding layer, and an object tag is disposed on the shielding layer, the object tag corresponding to the identifying code. The verifying end includes a database storing object information corresponding to the identifying code. After the shielding layer is removed to expose the identifying code, and an electronic device is utilized to read the identifying code, the electronic device connects to the verifying end in accordance with the identifying code, so that the verifying end compares the identifying code with the object information, so as to generate a verifying information and transmit the verifying information to the electronic device.

Abstract: An optical security label for security and anti-counterfeit applications comprises a first layer having an optically variable portion (diffractive, holographic or interference film) generating an optically variable effect secured to a support layer by a weak adhesive layer such that the first layer can be scratched off the third support layer to reveal underlying data and the label is affixed to a substrate by a pressure sensitive adhesive. The label or substrate carry the data to be protected such a printed or personalized paper or plastic substrate. In one aspect the scratch off region is patterned and also the data can comprise a pattern of alternate scratch off and permanent areas. In one aspect the label is a thin frangible structure delivered to the substrate with a weakly bound top carrier. In another aspect the optical variable device includes a covert image authenticated by a decoder carried on the top of the removable carrier.

Abstract: Provided is a surface film for a polarizing plate in which transparent patterns having a non-visible light reflective regularity are printed on a surface of a substrate and in which a reflection preventive layer or an antiglare layer is formed thereon or on a back side thereof, wherein an ink constituting the above transparent patterns contains a material reflecting a non-visible light. Capable of being provided is a surface film which can suitably be used for providing additional informations to an image display medium in such a manner that data are input by handwriting directly on a display device and in which the function described above is built-in from the beginning without making it necessary for the user to stick later a sheet having the above function.

Abstract: A method for facilitating multi-lingual play of a game on a single game card includes providing a game play area on the game card. A first set of game instructions are provided on the game card printed in a first language. A second set of the game instructions in a different second printed language over superimposed over the first set of game instructions. An indicator is provided on the game card to convey that the first set of game instructions are present and accessible by removing the second set of game instructions. A player has the option to read the game instructions in either or both of the first or second printed languages.

Abstract: A scratch-off document may include a substrate bearing a toner image and a scratch-off layer covering the printed content. The scratch-off layer may include a mass of a first solid ink and a mass of a second solid ink printed over the first solid ink in a distraction pattern. The toner image is formed of a toner that adheres to the substrate, while the scratch-off layer is made of a wax-based or other solid ink that may be removed from the substrate by scratching without removing the toner image. The distraction pattern includes varying pile heights that distract a viewer from any pile height variations that may exist in the toner image.

Abstract: A prize of an instant win lottery ticket of the type including a substrate with a game area thereon including play indicia, of which at least part is covered by a removable scratchoff layer is validated by a barcode printed on the ticket which contains the information necessary to validate the prize. The bar code of a played ticket is read by a reading device by scanning the barcode with the reading device while contact between the reading device and the substrate at the barcode is not required. Data from the bar code is used to obtain information from a data base on the value of the prize associated with that ticket.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and lottery tickets provide lottery games with gameplay that allows a variety of play options and results a rich prize structure. Gameplay can be centered on a lottery game player or a related entity, which can comprise other lottery game players. Gameplay centered on the lottery game player can be customized to a specific segment associated therewith. Play options can include iterative gameplay and gameplay reliant on information supplied by the game player. Features of the rich prize structure include monetary prizes that can include cash awards and non-cash awards. Monetary prizes can be awarded in response to active game play or passive gameplay. Other monetary prizes can be redeemed during a period of time and can include award terms that benefit the lottery game player or the related entity (relative(s) of the lottery game player, non-profit organization(s), prize supplier(s), etc.).

Abstract: The present invention is a pressure sensitive intermediate assembly that can be produced in a number of continuous configurations that may be used by small business owners, non-profits and other similarly situated groups. The intermediate assembly has a series of individual printed portions on the substrate of each roll or rolls. Each of the printed portions are covered with a removable opaque coating and the printed portions may be imaged with motivational, promotional, sweepstakes and similar messages. The recipient of the roll or package containing several rolls may separate individual label portions and create distinct business communications at a location that is separate from the manufacturing site. The assembly of the present invention allows small office and business owners to create communication products which were previously unavailable except in large quantities.

Abstract: A scratch-off document may include a substrate bearing a toner image and a scratch-off layer covering the printed content. The scratch-off layer may include a mass of a first solid ink and a mass of a second solid ink printed over the first solid ink in a distraction pattern. The toner image is formed of a toner that adheres to the substrate, while the scratch-off layer is made of a wax-based or other solid ink that may be removed from the substrate by scratching without removing the toner image. The distraction pattern includes varying pile heights that distract a viewer from any pile height variations that may exist in the toner image.

Abstract: A scratch off lottery game card is that includes a substrate on which a plurality of game indicia printed on a game indicia area in an M×N matrix and a plurality of player indicia printed on a player indicia area. The game indicia are preferably grouped by different identifier. If the game identified by an identifier have matched to the player indicia, the player wins a prize.

Abstract: A lottery ticket is printed onto two substrate sheets where the sheets are laminated together with both of equal length and with the top sheet approximately half the width of the bottom sheet and arranged along one side edge of the bottom sheet leaving approximately half of the bottom sheet exposed and free to fold over the top sheet. A series of break open windows is provided in the front surface of the top sheet which can be opened by a player to expose some of the game indicia printed onto the front face of the bottom sheet and covered also by a layer of scratchoff. Some of the game indicia is located on the front surface of the bottom sheet and is covered by a layer of scratchoff material so that it is on the inside when the bottom sheet is folded over.

Abstract: A scratch-off game card comprising a scratch-off game thereon and further comprising a part of the game card revealing symbol or symbols are indicating that the bearer of the card or the title holder of the card is entitled to a certain quantity of free scratch-off game cards.

Abstract: An instant-win lottery game system includes a plurality of instant-win lottery tickets, with each of the tickets having a play area with a plurality of play spaces arranged in defined pattern. Randomly generated play symbols are depicted in a plurality of the play spaces that is less than all of the play spaces. A plurality of line segments are also depicted in the play area, with each line segment connecting at least two play spaces. The line segments have a placement and orientation in the play area that is randomly generated. A plurality of the play spaces that is less than all of the play spaces are connected to at least one other play space by the randomly generated line segments such that different lottery tickets in the game system have the same number of connected play spaces, but with different patterns of randomly generated line segments. A scratch-off layer is provided over at least a portion of the play area and covers the randomly placed line segments and play symbols.

Abstract: A method and system for implementing an instant-win lottery game includes receiving a player's wager and selection of a game at a point-of-sale (POS) lottery location. The player receives a lottery ticket corresponding to the selected game, with the lottery ticket including a unique identification code that dictates the outcome of the game. The player accesses the lottery authority system via a wireless internet enabled mobile device to display and play and instant-win game to reveal the outcome of the lottery ticket.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing a secondary lottery game with a first instant lottery game in an instant lottery game ticket is disclosed. The player purchases an instant lottery game, where chances for winning instant prizes are provided to the player. The player may also be provided a chance to win entry with predetermined entry indicia into a secondary lottery game if the instant lottery ticket indicates that the player has won a ticket to the secondary lottery game.

Abstract: An energy cured coating is described that may be used in numerous applications. In one embodiment, for instance, the coating can be used as a seal coat layer in a gaming card. In particular, the coating can be used to protect a hidden printed layer that is covered by a scratch-off material. In accordance with the present disclosure, the cured coating contains at least one monomer or oligomer in combination with a reactive plasticizer. The plasticizer may comprise one or more benzoates.

Abstract: An instant lottery ticket game wherein a scratch-off material is removed from a first playing area of the ticket, and if three or more like kind outcome indicia are revealed, the ticket is a winner; however, if three or more like kind outcome indicia are not revealed in the first playing area, a scratch-off covering material is removed from a second playing area to reveal a “Bonus” prize award, so that every ticket is a winning ticket.

Abstract: The present invention provides a personal information protecting sheet in which personal information can be easily made illegible. The personal information protecting sheet includes a base material, a release layer formed on at least a part of the surface of the base material, and an image-receiving layer formed on the release layer. When a force having a directional component that is larger than a predetermined value and parallel to the surface of the base material is applied to the surface, a portion of the image-receiving layer to which the force is applied is peeled from the release layer.

Abstract: A postcard combined with a puzzle to furnish the recipient with a diversion beyond merely reading the card. Preferred embodiments of the puzzle postcard, besides having the usual space for placing postage and a recipient's address and a space adorned with a symbolic representation and/or for writing a message to the recipient, also have at least one puzzle suited to be solved on a two-dimensional board. The contemplated puzzles may be not only ordinary crossword puzzles, but also Sudoku puzzles, code puzzles (relating numbers to words), and any other word- or number-related type puzzles suited to be solved on a two-dimensional board.

Abstract: A game ticket construction is formed by laminating two substrate sheets by a band of adhesive between the sheets across a center line so as to form an initially flat construction which can be folded into a four page eight surface booklet. A plurality of different games, each defined by game indicia some or all of which are covered by a scratch-off layer are printed, one onto each of the six surfaces except the first and last which carry promotional material.

Abstract: A laminated construction that combines card stock with another card stock that has been printed with a dark pigmented coating, such as ink, to prevent the show through of information that appears beneath a scratch-off coating over the concealed information.

Abstract: A cigarette packet includes a first inner wrapper (2) enveloping a group of cigarettes, a second outer wrapper (5) wrapped around the first inner wrapper (2), a revenue stamp (14) and, in the event that the packet (1) is of the rigid type with a hinged lid, a reinforcing frame (10), all identifiable as specific packaging components of the packet (1). The packet (1) includes a layer (16) of opaque material, removable by scratching, which is designed to conceal at least one predetermined message or image (18) on at least one predetermined area (17) of at least one of the specific packaging components (13).

Abstract: Transparent sheets of acetate carrying a band of adhesive on the reverse side adjacent to one edge can be used for making notes on text and illustrations. Preferably provided in a tablet of plural, stacked sheets and most preferably provided in a kit form with erasable markers adapted for marking on acetate, the sheets may be applied to a whole page of text or to a drawing. The markings can interact with the text and drawings because the underlaying surface is visible through the sheets. Thus, the user may make annotations exactly where and how desired.

Abstract: An erasable and rewritable label comprises a base layer (2) of contrasting colour and an upper sheet (3) over the base layer. The upper sheet (4) and base layer (2) are mutually adhesive under pressure applied to the label by a writing implement on the upper sheet. Writing on the upper sheet (3) causes it to adhere to the base layer (2) in the localised region of writing where the colour of the base layer (2) is visible through the upper sheet (3) in contrast. The upper sheet (3) is held relative to the base layer (2) such that by wiping a user's finger or thumb over the top surface of the label the upper sheet (3) may be moved relative to the base layer (2) to erase the label. At least one wrinkle (9) in the upper sheet may be moved along the upper sheet, or the upper sheet may be moved elastically, to erase by wiping a user's finger or thumb over the surface of the label. The label may also comprise a protective top sheet (4) and have an adhesive rear surface.

Abstract: An erasable label kit includes laminated labels with printed base laminates with adhesive coatings held on release sheets and clear thin polyester film laminates covering the printed faces. Color coded symbols are placed partially over the outer face of the polyester film. Permanent ink indicia are written on the polyester film with soft tip permanent ink pens. Erasing materials in the kit include an alcohol solvent and absorbent cleaning patches, and a draftsman's vinyl ink eraser. As information on the floppy disk changes, information on the label is changed by removing all, large parts and small parts, of the information with the erasing materials and adding the new information with the soft tip permanent ink markers.

Abstract: A security stock material for use in lottery tickets or other instruments where prevention of the viewing of indicia on the lottery ticket is achieved despite tampering to make the stock material translucent by chemical or other means. A method of making the stock material by combining natural brown kraft linerboard with bleached fibers on one side and a black ink or black coating on the other side is also disclosed.

Abstract: A printed document in which a bar code is imprinted on a surface thereof and entirely covered with a scratch-off layer, the removal of the scratch-off layer reveals the entire bar code thereby enabling easy authentication of the printed document.

Abstract: A tamper-evident form for securely carrying information includes a scrambling pattern (4) which underlies the printed information such that the printed information cannot be read. Separation of the printed information and scrambling pattern, or other disabling of the scrambling pattern, is tamper-evident and renders the information readable. In preferred embodiments the information is printed on a lamina (6) which overlies the scrambling pattern (4). The information can be printed by conventional printers and no post-processing of the form is required to render the information secure.

Abstract: The invention is of a kit or system useful for guiding and facilitating the taking, tabulation and processing of measurements as pertain to scoring game animal according to established scoring rules. The kit or system includes a flexible cable which is used to record absolute lengths or distances needed for a proper scoring. The cable lacks cumulative length indicia or unit indications, but rather includes equally spaced incremental indicia which are used (by multiplying the number of indicia as rest between measurement endpoints) as part of the ultimate determination of length according to standard measurement units. A reusable score card is also provided which includes spaces for recording measurements and indicia for indicating the proper measurements to be taken as well as the sequence thereof and prescribed calculations to be made therefrom.

Abstract: A coupon catalogue comprising a pack of equal sized cards which is readily concealable and carried on the person in a clothing pocket or a purse or a wallet, which can be fanned to expose all of the cards in the pack for simultaneous viewing, and which can be utilized to obtain complimentary goods and services without requiring that portions of the catalogue be torn, punched, marked, or located by using a table of contents in the coupon catalogue.

Abstract: A card is disclosed that incorporates a removable scratch-off coating to hide printed symbols. The card is constructed so that the scratch-off coating is selectively retained by the card, in the form of symbols, or as a background for symbols, when the scratch-off coating is removed. The selective retention of scratch-off coating material to the card is accomplished by incorporating into the card, between the substrate and the scratch-off coating, a clear release coat patterned to form symbols. When the scratch-off coating material is applied to the card during construction, it either adheres directly to the substrate in the form of symbols, or it adheres to the substrate in the background for the symbols, depending on how the release coat is applied. When a player rubs the scratch-off coating material, it releases from the release coat and remains adhered to the substrate to create either symbols or the background for symbols.

Abstract: A test booklet and method of administering a test used to receive instant continuing education credit. The test booklet includes a number of multiple choice questions where each question includes a plurality of answer selections. The question designations and answer selections are reproduced on an answer sheet that is attached to the booklet by a perforation. Each answer selection is covered by an opaque scratch-off material such that the applicant selects his or her answer by scratching off the appropriate material covering a particular answer selection. To receive the continuing education credit, the applicant tears the answer sheet from the booklet and mails in the answer sheet to an accreditation agency to be graded.

Abstract: An anti-tamper tag arrangement includes a release liner and a thin film strip having first and second sides and a longitudinal direction. The thin film strip has a tear weakness in the longitudinal direction and a resistance to tear in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction, the first side of the thin film strip has a first region containing a pair of parallel slits extending in the longitudinal direction of the thin film strip and a transverse slit connecting the pair of parallel slits to form a tear strip and a second region for being printed with variable print information located outside of the first region and being in a longitudinal tear path of the tear strip defined by the pair of parallel slits. A coating of pressure-sensitive adhesive is deposited on the second side of the thin film strip. The thin film strip is removably fixed to the release liner by the adhesive coating.

Abstract: A secure manner for issuing travellers cheques and other instruments is provided which overcomes many of the shortcomings associated with known devices. In particular, the present invention provides a device which permits an issuer of prepaid instruments to securely provide credit, replacement, or reimbursement to a purchaser who has lost or had stolen a prepaid instrument.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a card structure which is a single unit phone card assembly which provides an area to provide variable information which will maintain the variable information in a hidden area until the information is exposed by the removal of an overlamination and allow the card to be detached to be used as a phone card. The phone card is comprised of two layers of material upon which a variable image printed message is applied. A pattern of silicone is positioned on the face of the top sheet and a pattern of varnish is positioned on the bottom of the top sheet. Adhesive is then used on the face of the base sheet and the sheets are slit and crossed over and laminated together. A series of die cuts and laminations are done to finish the card and extra material is stripped away. In use, the consumer will receive the card as a single unit and peel away the overlamination in order to remove the card to reveal the necessary information to make the telephone call.

Abstract: Alternative benday patterns for cards and tickets and methods of producing such patterns are disclosed. The alternative patterns enhance the effectiveness of conventional devices by avoiding use of rotating print cylinders, with fixed repeats, in their creation. The attendant reduction in, or elimination of, benday repetition inhibits vertical ticket splitting and other manner of compromise. Desired images, including play indicia, promotional content, or both, can also be visibly encoded in the benday patterns, if desired.

Abstract: Security of game cards such as instant lottery tickets can be improved by locating a confusion pattern below a primer layer on the game cards substrate and by locating another confusion pattern on a release coat above the game card play indica. Game card security can be further enhanced by using confusion pattern ink that bleeds through the game card in response to the application of various solvents.

Abstract: A golf scorecard for keeping score of the game of golf and automatically totalling a player's score without the need of a writing instrument. The scorecard has one or more series of consecutive numbers printed thereon along a predetermined pattern. Each of the numbers is concealed by formation made of a coating of opaque material adherable to the scorecard and capable of being removed by scraping a rubbing same to reveal the number thereunder. When in use, a user scrappes only those formations indicative a score made on each consecutive hole of a game of golf by adding consecutive formations from the last scraped formation until it totals his score on every hole. The numbers identified under the formations that are scraped reveal his cumulative total score at each consecutive hole of the game of golf. In particular, the scorecard is for use with a miniature golf putting course.

Abstract: Cards and methods of securing hidden symbols on cards are disclosed. The cards, such as instant-win lottery tickets, utilize continuous overprint inks that mask the boundaries between their "secure" and "unsecure" portions to inhibit unscrupulous players from successfully tampering with them. By reformulating the overprint inks to permit a single set to be applied to both portions of a card, more vibrant and aesthetically-pleasing graphics may be displayed as well while utilizing fewer printing stations during the printing process.Alternatively or additionally, the cards may be embossed for added security. Raising portions of the secure area of a card above the remainder of its surface produces irregular features, thereby inhibiting both improper removal of the upper latex or other coating and photo reproduction of the card. The varying card height caused by embossing further inhibits heat-based tampering, as heat transfer to the irregular surface is no longer uniform.

Abstract: Cards and methods of securing hidden symbols on cards are disclosed. The cards, such as instant-win lottery tickets, utilize continuous overprint inks that mask the boundaries between their "secure" and "unsecure" portions to inhibit unscrupulous players from successfully tampering with them. By reformulating the overprint inks to permit a single set to be applied to both portions of a card, more vibrant and aesthetically-pleasing graphics may be displayed as well while utilizing fewer printing stations during the printing process.