Abstract: High refractive index coatings having metal oxide particles are disclosed. Dispersions of metal oxide particles in solvent are also disclosed. These find use in the protection of surface relief structures. In some disclosed embodiments, the coatings or dispersions contain UV-curable resins. The coatings and dispersions find application in the field of security devices and documents and tokens incorporating security devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of an animal recognition using nose patterns, and particularly to an apparatus and method of an animal recognition comprising a body stabilizer unit to minimize movement of the subject animal for optimal nose pattern image acquisition, an image acquisition unit to obtain and store the nose pattern image, and an image recognition unit to generate, enroll, verify, and identify the raw or processed nose pattern code from the acquired nose pattern image.

Abstract: Various examples of methods and systems for combining online order with additional purchase during pickup of the online order are described. In one implementation, a method may receive a first order to purchase at least a first item from a user via a first channel. The method may also receive a second order to purchase at least a second item from the user via a second channel different from the first channel. The method may further process the first order and the second order in a single transaction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices that change their appearance and/or physical properties when under an external influence, and methods for their production and use. Such devices may be used as features of any type of items, documents, billboards, posters, display devices, advertisements and other items etc. and may be adapted to include decipherable content. Such devices also afford new techniques for a user to check quickly and easily whether the item is a legitimate or a counterfeit copy, either by hand-manipulation of the device, or with the assistance of an additional screening tool.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for evaluating a conformance of sets of curves using curvature information from curve segments to identify conforming curve segments. These curve segments are evaluated for relative positional variations in a context of a cluster by triangulating corresponding points among the curve segments of the cluster. Little to no deviation between corresponding lengths in the clusters indicate a high probability of match. Confirmation may be done by a more rigorous pattern matcher based upon the conforming curve segments of a cluster.

Abstract: This disclosure includes a system and method for producing a back-lit color laser image, and an identity document using this method and back lighting system. The body of the identity document may be transparent. In various implementations, the light back-lights the color laser image which may be formed of sub-pixels partly covered by non-reflective surfaces in the protective layer. The light may enter through tiny holes in decorative patterns on the reverse side of the document. Various implementations may find particular applications for identity cards, credit cards, passports, driving licences, secure entry badges, etc.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, information may be retrieved from an employee database that stores, for each of a plurality of employees, a current leadership value and a business unit association. Information about an employee leadership training event may be determined (including a number of slots associated with a first business unit and a number of slots associated with a second business unit), and, based on the information about the employee leadership training event and information in the employee database, including the current leadership values and business unit associations, a subset of the employees may be automatically selected to participate in the employee leadership training event. An indication of the automatically selected subset of employees may then be transmitted to at least one remote device.

Abstract: In the method for structuring at least one area of a solid body surface provided with a ta-C coating, by means of a first laser, preferably an excimer laser having pulse durations in the nanosecond range, a first structure is produced upon which a second, ripple-like structure is superposed by means of a second laser, preferably having pulse durations in the femtosecond range. Preferentially, the excimer laser structuring is carried out according to the mask projection technique and the femtosecond laser structuring according to the focus technique. This method allows the rational manufacture of very complex, extremely fraud-resistant authentication features and/or of esthetically attractive, optical diffraction effective colored patterns.

Abstract: A labeling assembly is shown and described herein. A labeling assembly for laminating labels may include a label sheet, a laminating sheet and an alignment member. The alignment member may allow folding of the label sheet and laminating sheet. The label sheet may include a facestock sheet and a liner sheet. Labels may be pre-cut in the facestock sheet. The laminating sheet may include a laminae film sheet and a liner sheet. Protective covers may be pre-cut in the liner sheet and laminae overlays may be pre-cut in the laminae film sheet. The protective covers may be removed to expose an adhesive portion of the laminae overlay. The label sheet and the laminating sheet may be folded onto each other at the alignment member. The laminae overlay may adhere to the label to form a removable laminated label.

Abstract: A method, an article and a kit for the detection and visual indication of contact with or exposure to a polyhydroxyaromatic skin irritant found in the sap of a plant is provided herein. The article incorporates a colorless leuco dye that undergoes an instantaneous visible color change when contacted with or exposed to a polyhydroxyaromatic skin irritant in the sap of a plant or on a subject. This color change is an indication that contact with or exposure to a polyhydroxyaromatic skin irritant has occurred. Polyhydroxyaromatic skin irritants found in the sap of plants include those found in poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, poison dogwood, mango tree, cashew tree and lacquer tree. The leuco dye of the invention is Pergascript Red I-6B (1(3H)-isobenzofuranone,3,3-bis(2-methyl-1-octyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-).

Abstract: A method for proactively creating an image product includes capturing an image of an object in a first environment by a device, storing a library of personalized products each characterized by a product type, automatically recognizing the object in the image as having a product type associated with the library of personalized products, automatically creating a design for the personalized product of the product type using personalized content, automatically displaying the design of the personalized product of the product type incorporating the selected photo in the first environment on the device, and manufacturing a physical product based on the design of the personalized product.

Abstract: A method that includes configuring a first and a second identification band with unique serial numbers, each of said bands being connected to a signal cable attached to a sensor is provided. The first identification band is securely fixed to a first location on the patient and the second identification band is securely fixed to a second location on the patient. The first and second identification bands are connected with a bridging band. The signal cable is connected to a diagnostic test monitoring system and the patient's oxygen saturation is monitored. The first and second identification bands are configured to evidence tampering when removed.

Abstract: A system of capturing and sharing media including a plurality of communication devices and a management server in communication with the communication devices and including a processor and a downloadable user interface configured to distribute to the communication devices a media captured during a defined event, the media distributable to each communication device associated with the defined event. The system further include a database in communication with the management server configured to store data related to a plurality of registered user accounts.

Abstract: A system and method of enhancing a profile of a portable device. The system and method includes defining an event type in a scheduling tool and scheduling a time to initiate the event type. The system and method further includes associating a notification profile of a device with the defined event type and changing a setting of the device to the notification profile in response to the scheduling time and the defined event type.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to a customer authentication system for authenticating a customer making a request related to a customer account. The customer authentication system may include multiple application level data receiving and processing mechanisms for receiving customer requests and collecting customer data. The customer authentication system may additionally include a central authentication system for receiving the customer requests and customer data from the multiple application level data receiving and processing mechanisms, the central authentication system determining, based on authentication policy, whether the collected customer data is sufficient to authenticate each customer in order to fulfill the customer request. The central authentication system may return its conclusions and instructions to the multiple application level data receiving and processing mechanisms.

Abstract: According to an example, a printing system may include a web layout module to access a set of images and generate a web layout of the set of images, in which the web layout is arranged in columns of same sized images, each column being arranged in sorted order of image size. The module may further add at least one of advertising material, a coupon, and customer information on a space of a column on which images do not extend a width of the web layout. The printing system may also include a print engine to print the set of images and the at least one of the advertising material, coupon, and customer information on a web of substrate in the generated print layout.

Abstract: This invention provides an image processing apparatus including a unit which generates index image data, a unit which obtains a position of thumbnail image data in the index image data, a unit which divides the index image data so as to prevent overlap of the thumbnail image data, a unit which calculates a histogram of a luminance value of image data corresponding to each partial area including the thumbnail image data, a unit which determines image correction characteristics of each piece of image data based on the histogram and performing image correction, and a unit which reconfiguring the index image data using the corrected image data to output the reconfigured index image data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reflective feature, e.g., reflective security feature or reflective decorative feature, comprising a first element at least partially coplanar with a second element. The first element causes incident light to be reflected with a first intensity that varies as the angle of incidence changes relative to a surface of the reflective feature. The invention also relates to a direct write printing process for forming such a reflective feature from an ink comprising metallic nanoparticles.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention provides for a computer-implemented method, including at least the following steps to be performed by a specifically programmed computer processor of a schedule management computer system: electronically causing to display a specialized schedule GUI; where the specialized schedule GUI is configured to allow each user to: define a programmed schedule object, including a plurality of availability time periods (TimeWindows); each having TimeWindow parameters, and identifying when a time period is available or unavailable for booking; where the TimeWindow parameters include: a start date, a start time, an end time, at least one day of a week, and a period type; electronically and in real-time, generating a bitmask of days in a week for each TimeWindow of the TimeWindows; electronically and in real-time, storing schedule objects associated with the users in a specifically dedicated database.

Abstract: Displaying art work or thumbnail images representative of movies, television (TV) programs/episodes and other media content is an appealing and often intuitive way of displaying available media content in a media content browser. However, computer displayable cover art is not necessarily available for all titles. For example, an older movie may not have computer displayable cover art because at the time the movie title was made available it was not anticipated that the movie title might be selectable through a media browser. After considering this description one will understand how the features of various implementations are configured to enable various systems, methods and devices to create computer displayable cover art or thumbnail images for media titles to be displayed by a media browser.

Abstract: A protective film product for a portable electronic device includes a protective film, one or more adhesive layers formed on a surface of the protective film, a backing layer disposed on one of the adhesive layers, and a cap sheet disposed on an opposite surface of the protective film. Micro air pockets are formed in gaps between a surface of the cap sheet and the protective film.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to a customer authentication system for authenticating a customer making a request related to a customer account. The customer authentication system may include multiple application level data receiving and processing mechanisms for receiving customer requests and collecting customer data. The customer authentication system may additionally include a central authentication system for receiving the customer requests and customer data from the multiple application level data receiving and processing mechanisms, the central authentication system determining, based on authentication policy, whether the collected customer data is sufficient to authenticate each customer in order to fulfill the customer request. The central authentication system may return its conclusions and instructions to the multiple application level data receiving and processing mechanisms.

Abstract: A method and system for tracking goods is provided wherein the system is a transnomic code system. The transnomic code system includes a prescriber interface, a pharmaceutical interface, a pharmacy interface and a management server that communicate via communication mediums, such as an electronic prescribing switch and the Internet. The transnomic code is a dynamic code that includes a tracking code and one or more information sets, wherein each information set includes a read header and extensible content. The transnomic code is assigned to a product, such as a pharmaceutical product. The system allows for adding information sets to the transnomic code at any point during the life-cycle of a product.

Abstract: A thermal laminating film is provided that has superior intrusion resistance that is well suited to addressing security and anti-counterfeiting needs. The film includes a polymer substrate and an adhesive system with a polymer component having a Vicat softening point temperature that is close to a glass transition temperature of the polymeric substrate, which typically is not greater than about 95° C.

Abstract: A label includes an optical function layer configured to pass light of a certain wavelength, a light absorption pattern facing one major surface of the optical function layer and configured to absorb the light of the wavelength, and a light reflecting layer facing the other major surface of the optical function layer and configured to reflect the light of the wavelength. The light reflecting layer is configured to raise an absorbance at the wavelength when heated.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus forms a stamp image with a stamp image developer having a color developing temperature at a color erasing temperature of an image forming developer, and forms a mask image with a mask image developer having a color re-developing temperature at a temperature not lower than a color re-developing temperature of the image forming developer. Accordingly, when a confidential document is color-erased, the stamp image develops color, and when the color-erased confidential document again develops color, it can not be read.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an estimating unit and a hiding unit. The estimating unit extracts a subject specifying mark image corresponding to a specifying mark from a recording area image corresponding to a recording area in which an image is recorded, plural predetermined types of specifying marks having predetermined attributes different from an attribute of the image of the recording area and being used for specifying a region within the recording area by using different specifying methods, at least one of the plural predetermined types of specifying marks being recorded in the recording area. The estimating unit estimates the type of specifying mark corresponding to the extracted subject specifying mark image. The hiding unit hides the region specified by the type of specifying mark estimated by the estimating unit by using a hiding method which is uniquely determined for the estimated type of specifying mark.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of performing excellent image formation with a reduced amount of data transfer. The image forming apparatus has a plurality of image processing functions. The image forming apparatus is connectable to an external apparatus having a plurality of image processing functions. The image forming apparatus transmits information indicative of selected at least one image processing function thereof and selected at least one image processing function of the information processing apparatus, to the information processing apparatus. When information indicative of an image processing function to be provided by the information processing apparatus on behalf of the image processing apparatus is received as a result of determination performed by the information processing apparatus based on the transmitted information and predetermined conditions, the image forming apparatus is controlled not to use the image processing function.

Abstract: A document and an Anti-counterfeiting method for use in such documents are described. Said document and Anti-counterfeiting method include introducing a plurality of raised nanoscopic to microscopic structures, here referred to as reconfigurable structures, formed over a polymer substrate to induce optical changes, such as structural color and/or optical fuzziness. Dynamic changes using liquids provide the anti-counterfeiting measures.

Abstract: A targeted mass mailing system and method including use of a pre-engineered subassembly. The subassembly is a unit of printable substrate which is processed according to at least one client-specified rule and which includes a unique identifier having associated code that drives manufacturing of the subassembly into a final assembly that constitutes at least one component of a mailing package, wherein the printable substrate may include at least one of paper, cardboard, plastic and foil, wherein the at least one component includes at least one mailing package insert and/or a mailing package container, wherein processing includes, but is not limited to, at least one of printing, folding, cutting, perforating, trimming, gluing, slitting, die-cutting, personalizing, matching, tipping, affixing, inserting, flipping, inverting, on-serting, labeling, enclosing and enveloping of the unit, and wherein the unique identifier is preferably removable.

Abstract: A book format, and methods to create such books, where the first story page on one of the leaves of the book and a second story page on an adjacent leaf are in diametric contraposition to each other. The first set of first story pages carries an illustration of a portion of a story with each successive first story page carrying another illustration of another portion of the story, so that the set of first story pages taken together illustrate substantially the entire story. The second story pages carry mirror images of the illustrations on their corresponding first story pages. The pages are disposed so that the audience sees the first story pages and their respective illustrations while the storyteller or reader sees the second story pages, optionally with text, and the mirror images of the illustrations corresponding to the first story pages viewed by the audience.

Abstract: A method of playing a lottery instant scratch game ticket. Each ticket provides a printed grid resembling a multiline slot machine game, comprised of symbol boxes arranged in columns and rows. Each symbol box contains one of a predetermined amount of game symbols and is covered by an indicia-labeled opaque removable film. Also provided are player indicia covered by an unlabeled opaque removable film. After scratching off the opaque film covering the player indicia, the revealed player indicia are compared to the indicia on the symbol boxes. The player scratches off the opaque film covering each symbol box that has an indicium that matches a player indicium, thereby revealing game symbols. The game symbols are then compared to official winning paylines and a prize legend to determine any wins.

Abstract: A system of color coded reference tables is disclosed by which fiber optic installation workers and engineers may quickly and easily convert fiber count numbers to bundle and sheath colors. The color code used may be an industry-standard 12-color or an alternative mapping of colors to numbers. The tables convert a numerical cable count having in principal no upper bound to an identifiable color code, which may be applied to cables and related equipment in the field. The tables of the system may be printed on a laminated card or page where an installation worker may make temporary notations using a solvent-erase marker (for example to check off fibers for which work has been completed).

Abstract: A unitary special service form mailpiece for delivery via a special service has a pocket for holding and/or mailing documents, envelopes, forms, checks and/or the like via the special service. A top panel with a receipt and a label section is removably attached to a bottom panel. The label has information related to the delivery of the article by the special service. An electronic return receipt information section and a special services designation section are located on the mailpiece. The mailpiece is prepared for delivery by printing information on the form necessary to comply with the special service delivery requirements and electronic return receipt of the mailpiece. The information has a machine-readable code section with machine-readable information associated with the mailpiece. The bottom panel of the mailpiece has an integrally formed envelope that is removed before folding, assembling and sealing the mailpiece.

Abstract: A data carrier provides health related information regarding a patient, and facilitates compliance with HIPAA by the obscuring the association between the name of the patient and the health related information when the data carrier is to be discarded. The data carrier includes a release liner, a health information label having an upper surface and a lower surface, the label including a first area on the upper surface for indicia specifying health related information and a second area on the upper surface for indicia specifying the identity of a patient, and a pressure sensitive adhesive coating on the lower surface of the health information label, securing the health information label to the release liner. A masking label is either integral with the health information label, or the liner.

Abstract: An anti-counterfeiting technique presents, to a test thermoreflective mark at a first temperature, a first electromagnetic wave. A first test reflective profile for the test thermoreflective mark associated with the first temperature is recorded. A second electromagnetic wave is presented to the test thermoreflective mark at a second temperature. A second test reflective profile for the test thermoreflective mark associated with the second temperature is recorded. The first test reflective profile is compared with a first control reflective profile that is associated with a genuine thermoreflective mark. The second test reflective profile is compared with a second control reflective profile that is associated with the genuine thermoreflective mark.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the inventive subject matter include a computer program product for validating a test thermoreflective mark. The computer program product can include computer usable program code configured to control a temperature regulation unit configured to govern a temperature of a thermoreflective mark. The computer usable program code can be further configured to control an electromagnetic waver emitter to present at a first temperature, a first electromagnetic wave. The computer usable program code can be further configured to record a first reflective profile. The computer usable program code can be further configured to control the electromagnetic wave emitter to present at a second temperature, a second electromagnetic wave. The computer usable program code can be further configured to record a second reflective profile. The computer usable code can be further configured to validate the thermoreflective mark based on the first reflective profile and the second reflective profile.

Abstract: The invention concerns a unitary authentication process of a material object consisting of a construction phase of an authenticator system comprising at least: a message image selection step; a support image selection step; a message and support images transformation step to generate at least two shared images according to a transformation process implementing at least a random sequence, the message image not being accessible in each shared image taken individually; a recording step of at least one shared image. According to the invention, in the construction phase of an authenticator each random sequence, the so-called material signature, is extracted or generated from at least one structural characteristic of at least one region of the material object and is liable to be generated on request and obtained identically from the material object.

Abstract: A method of authenticating an item with a security mark includes providing a substrate (100); printing the security mark on the substrate with invisible ultraviolet (UV) absorbing ink (102); applying a coating comprised of UV fluorescent varnish (104) over the security mark and substrate; illuminating an area comprising the security mark and coating with UV light; identifying a reduced fluorescence image of the security mark; comparing the reduced fluorescence image with the security mark; and authenticating the item if the reduced fluorescence image matches the security mark.

Abstract: Advertisements in instances of a product are customized prior to distributing the instances to different recipients. Information about the different recipients is received, and information about vendor interest with respect to advertising in the product is received. Customized advertisements are generated for each instance of the product. The customized advertisements in each instance reflect a convergence of the vendor interest and the recipient information. The convergence occurs before the instances are created. As a result, advertising in different instances is customized for the different recipients.

Abstract: A two-sided hinged note comprises a generally planar sheet, an adhesive, and a hinge. The sheet has opposing front and back sides, both of which are suitable to be written upon at least in part. The adhesive, which may be pressure-sensitive and re-adherable, is on an adhesive area of the back side of the note and is capable of adhering to a surface of an item such that the sheet is flat against the surface thereby presenting the front side of the sheet facing outward from the surface. The hinge is proximate the adhesive area, wherein the hinge is operable to pivot approximately 180° to thereby present the back side of the sheet facing outward from the surface as a the sheet is approximately flat against the surface of the item.

Abstract: Method of providing an authenticated printed document including generating a message image by applying conversion parameters to text, the message image being defined by pixels and including converted text in a first color and a background in a second color; generating a first pixel array of the same pixel size as the image by selecting a sub-pixel configuration for each pixel of the first array; generating a second pixel array corresponding to the first array.

Abstract: Disclosed is a marking for an article, item or substrate. The marking comprises a printable code, at least a part of which is covered by a chiral liquid crystal polymer (CLCP) layer, and further preferably including an intermediate layer including a distribution of flakes, to provide readable information of at least two different types on the article.

Abstract: Methods and systems for optical effects in pigments, inks, and on media. One aspect of this disclosure involves a pigment particle which includes a core, having a fluorescent material and having a spherical shape, and a shell surrounding the core; the shell includes a photochromic material which has a first optical property in a first light source and a second optical property in a second light source which includes a set of wavelengths not sufficiently present in the first light source. The second optical property attenuates an emitted radiation from the fluorescent material. Other aspects are also described.

Abstract: A method of playing an instant scratch game lottery ticket. Each ticket provides a printed grid comprised of adjoining edge features that provide at least two enclosed symbol areas. Each edge feature is labeled by a unique indicium and covered in a transparent film. Each enclosed symbol area contains a prize symbol that is covered in an opaque film. Also provided are player indicia covered with an opaque film that is removed to reveal the player indicia. The transparent film covering each labeled edge feature that matches a player indicium is then removed. If the edge features that have been removed are adjoined and provide a fully enclosed area, the prize symbol(s) in the fully enclosed area is/are revealed by removing the opaque film covering the prize symbol(s). Any revealed prizes are provided as an award to the player.

Abstract: A method of authenticating a document includes providing a document having a substrate comprising an optical brightener; printing a background with a ultraviolet (UV) absorbing material on the substrate comprising a first pattern of lines having a first frequency and a first orientation; printing a security mark with the UV material on the substrate comprising a second pattern of lines having a second frequency or a second orientation or both; placing a lenticular lens over the security mark and background; illuminating the security mark and background through the lenticular lens with UV light; orienting the lenticular lens to match either the first orientation or the second orientation; and authenticating the document if the security mark matches a predetermined security mark.

Abstract: An apparatus can include a generally planar portion approximately in a plane. The apparatus can also include a lip portion extending in a direction generally orthogonal to the plane. The generally planar portion is joined to the lip portion at a circumferential edge of the generally planar portion to form a cover for a beverage container. The lip portion includes a sterilizing agent configured to sterilize a rim portion of the beverage container. Likewise, a method can include providing contact information on a disposable cover adapted to cover a beverage container. The contact information is not provided by the manufacturer of the beverage or beverage container. The method can also include receiving contact from a user of the disposable cover. The method can further include coordinating the delivery of a service to the user of the disposable cover responsive to the contact received from the user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security element (1). The security element (1) has a viewing side and a back side that is opposite the latter. The security element comprises at least one luminous layer (2) that can provide light (20), and at least one mask layer (4) that, when the security element (1) is viewed from the viewing side, is arranged in front of the at least one luminous layer (2). The at least one mask layer (4) has at least one opaque region (5) and at least two transparent openings (41, 42). The at least two transparent openings (41, 42) has a substantially higher transmittance than the at least one opaque region (5) in respect of light (20) provided by the at least one luminous layer (2), preferably a transmittance that is at least 20% higher, particularly preferably a transmittance that is at least 50% higher.

Abstract: A method includes obtaining an image to be compared at the time of use which is intended for comparing biometric information at the time of use of a user, obtaining posture information at the time of use which indicates a posture when biometric information at the time of use of the user is shot, performing personal authentication for the user by comparing the image to be compared at the time of use with a preregistered image to be compared at the time of registration of the user, and inputting an operation instruction corresponding to operation information preregistered in association with posture information at the time of registration which is determined to match, by comparing the posture information at the time of use with a plurality of pieces of preregistered posture information at the time of registration of the user.

Abstract: A self laminating wristband separable from a multi-ply page form has a plurality of separated imaging areas, with one larger imaging area for receiving printed data corresponding to the wearer such as his name, i.d. number, etc., with one or more second imaging areas adapted to receive either printed information or markers which may be adhered thereto. The separated imaging areas are aligned along the length of the wristband so that the gap between them acts as a natural hinge point which allows the imaging areas to lie flatter against the wearer's wrist.