Abstract: A coupon redemption card and tracking system includes a credit card size redemption coupon card used by the customer, and a tracking sheet used by the redemption center such as a restaurant. The redemption card has a plurality of mini coupons, which can be peeled off individually. Each redeemed coupon is affixed to a tracking sheet. The tracking system facilitates the accounting and inventory of redeemed coupons. The coupon card is formed as two laminated layers of special paper joined together by a layer of adhesive material, and a layer of clear plastic film on the top face of the card. The base layer is fabricated from a special paper. An adhesive coating is applied to one side of the base layer. The peel off coupon layer is affixed to the adhesive coating. The finished layered sheet is printed on both sides, die-cut on the coupon side, and then laminated with the film on the other side. Each coupon that is removed from the card has adhesive to adhere the coupon to the tracking sheet.

Abstract: A marker detecting section detects markers formed at four corners of a block using binary image data of a two-dimensional code stored in a data memory. A marker's approximate center calculating section calculates the approximate centers of the detected markers. A pattern code detecting means detects a pattern code in accordance with format information of the two-dimensional code stored in a format memory. A marker's real center calculating section calculates the real centers of the markers from the detected pattern code and the format information using the error minimizing method. Based on the calculated real centers of the markers, a data code reading coordinate calculating section calculates reading coordinates for reading data dots of address code and data code areas from the data memory.

Abstract: A printer blank for a computer system printer is disclosed. The blank has a contiguous pressure adhesive backed label section and may also have a larger plain paper section separated from the label section by a perforation line. The label section is comprised of a plurality of adhesive backed labels and a backing sheet, including a main label portion and at least one smaller auxiliary label. A preferred blank comprises a plurality of auxiliary labels. In use, at least one, but preferably not all, of the auxiliary labels on such a preferred blank are simultaneously removed from the backing sheet with the main label portion. Any auxiliary label(s) simultaneously removed with the main label but not printed upon are readily separated from the main label.

Abstract: A method for specimen identification is described, employing marking or printing of a label for placing on a cryogenic storage vial or other container which must withstand contact with the liquid and/or vapor phases of liquid nitrogen at a temperature of approximately -196.degree. C. The marking or printing also resists the ice and moisture which condenses on the container when it is removed from the liquid nitrogen. The method includes the steps of providing a sized portion of a pressure-sensitive adhesive label having a waterproof thermoplastic facestock material with a markable and print-retaining waterproof upper surface and a waterproof adhesive-coated lower surface. The facestock material is capable of being stretched at room temperature at least 10% in the machine direction and at least 10% in the transverse direction without breaking, whereby the facestock and the adhesive can remain united, and also bonded to the container during and after contact with the liquid nitrogen.

Abstract: A method of document security comprising providing a substrate having a spot of thermochromic material printed thereon capable of undergoing a reversible color change upon exposure to heat, associating alpha instructional information with the spot, reproducing the alpha information on a second substrate, and subjecting the second substrate to heat to determine whether the document is original or authentic.

Abstract: A method for indicating and tracking the progress of activities is disclosed wherein a table containing a calendar covering at least a portion of a calendar year is provided. Activities which are intended to be undertaken during the period of time covered by the calendar are listed in the table and a group of symbols is selected, which symbols are representative of the status and relative priority of such listed activities from commencement through completion or abandonment thereof. The symbols should be readily modifiable so that they can be altered to represent changes in the status and priority of the activities as such status and priority changes occur.

Abstract: A biometric security procedure for manufacturing an identity document, such as an identity card, credit card, visa or passport, which includes the steps of: providing a nucleus of the identity document, the nucleus including personal data of a holder of the identity document and a face image of the holder; carrying out, by a computer and an image capturer such as a scanner or a video camera, an analysis of face features of the face image, the computer carrying out an analysis of basic face features of the face image, comparing the basic face features with master/pattern features in a data base, wherein each master/pattern feature has a specific number; obtaining by the analysis a derived set of master/pattern features that corresponds to a characteristic synthetic image of the holder, the derived set of master/pattern features corresponding to a specific numeric code determined by the number of each of the master/pattern features making up the derived set of master/pattern features; and printing the specific

Abstract: A while you wait process which takes a book buyer's picture and inserts it, with a caption, onto the back of a purchased book's paper-cover. The customer looks into a video camera and/or supplies a photograph, which is scanned into a computer. The book's cover is also entered into the computer and is there edited to incorporate the picture and the text of a caption. The customized cover is then achieved on the store's printer. Alternatively, a publisher provides paper book-covers containing spaces free of text and graphics. The customer's captioned pictures are then printed onto these voids.

Abstract: A method for rapidly producing a high volume individually customized printed novelties containing printed text located within defined regions of text displays of various sizes and shapes. The method is particularly well-suited for the rapid mass production of customized or personalized comics or comic books. The method involves predetermining the location and maximum length of the variable text to be included in the text, providing paper stock containing art and the borders of text displays without text sized to accommodate the maximum length of the variable text strings, integrating and formatting the fixed and variable text so as to control excess spacing between the variable and surrounding text, and printing the integrated text within the blank text displays in a manner which controls spacing between the text and the borders of text displays. The method utilizes conventional printing equipment to generate the printed stock and an electronic computer printer to add the customized text.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with the production of filaments or fibers each of which carries a recognizable "signature" (encoding). These filaments or fibers are produced by taking a film (preferably a plastics film) applying a code directly onto the film across the effective width of the film and then dividing the film substantially at right angles to the code into longitudinal filaments, so that the encoding is then present in each of the filament in exactly the same "signature" as in the code applied to the film.

Abstract: A method for deterring forgeries and authenticating signatures placed on any document or other object (collectively "Item") is disclosed. A first forgery-proof diffraction grating pattern or similar information bearing medium (Electronic Fingerprint or "EF") is issued to a person whose signature is being protected ("Principal") by a central registrar ("CR"). A personal identification number ("PIN") which has been assigned by the CR to the Principal is encoded on the EF. The PIN remains constant and is encoded on all EFs distributed to the Principal. In addition to the PIN, the EF contains another code ("Code") that is distinct for each EF distributed to the Principal. The Principal must acknowledge to the CR, through the use of his or her PIN, that he or she has received physical possession of the EFs before the EFs are considered valid.

Abstract: A fingerprint enhancement system has a platen with a liquid contacting and finger-touching surface. Two collimated interrogating light beams lie below and are opposite sides of the finger-touching surface. The horizontal extensions of the light beams assume an angle of approximately forty-five degrees with the finger longitudinal axis. Side surfaces of the platen are oriented normal to the incident colliminated light beams prior to interrogation. The light beam modulated by the fingerprint passes to a reflecting mirror, imaging means and a scanner below the platen. A polarizing filter lies between the platen and reflecting mirror. A second polarizing filter lies above the platen. A contrast enhancement circuit increases the modulation of the scanned fingerprint signal and automatically adjusts the level of the modulated signal without saturation. Circuit filtering eliminates spurious input signals. Finger position sensing by a light emitting diode and photo transistor is also provided.

Abstract: In a method for dynamic verification of an autograph character string on the basis of a reference autograph character string, the principle of dynamic programming is used for signature verification. Digitized handwriting data as functions of time are first normalized by a standard method. The verification works according to the invention with structural units of the signature, so-called strokes, which result from the writing motions with a raised or, respectively, lowered stylus. The particular concept is to base the dynamic programming on a cost function that combines several handwriting data. The stable structural portions of the signature are more strongly weighted in the method than unstable ones. This leads to a higher verification performance than in standard methods. The method also enables the comparison of signals having different numbers of strokes, so that omissions or additional strokes can be correctly evaluated, by predetermining syntactic rules for their treatment.

Abstract: An identification system involves the labeling then tracking of grouped items such as logs, shipping containers, or packets of mail and reporting the current location of identified items during transport, processing, and storage. Machine-readable labels are provided, adapted for recognition and reading from within a cluttered scene. These labels have bordering indicia--used for locating purposes--distinguishable from inner informative indicia. Bordering indicia include either a series of small substantially similar marks like filled or hollow ovals, or one circle, or part of a circle, or a sequence of locating symbols or characters. Informative indicia include dots, bars, rings, or regional text characters. Multiple coding methods and spatial (e.g. Latin Square) replication of indicia are used to minimize errors.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a preprinted chart, or, in the case of software, a programmed screen display, on which is displayed front and back silhouettes of a patient. Alongside the silhouettes are provided a number of series of icons which illustrate various patient conditions, such as burn, cut, bruise, etc. with each icon series color coded to indicate pain intensity. A 24 hour row and column pain intensity time chart is provided which is also pain intensity color coded. A veterinary version of the pain intensity chart is provided for animals.

Abstract: Optical machine readable code symbols for marking objects, preferably recyclable plastic bottles, are so constructed that they possess an axis of symmetry. The code symbols can additionally be rotated by predetermined angles from a basic configuration in order to be able to represent a plurality of information pieces. The symmetric code symbols are easily recognized and evaluated under difficult conditions such as exist, for example, in a bottle filling operation.

Abstract: A method of identifying and installing a plurality of electrical or other signal carriers, pipes, tubes or the like within a building structure. The method includes the steps of determining the paths along which the various carriers are to be laid out within the structure, formulating a retrievable record of such paths, storing and retaining the retrievable record of such location information in an accessible computer memory or the like, and assigning a unique identifying expression to each of the carriers. The unique identifying expression is reproduced on spaced apart portions of each of the carriers, and the carriers are then installed according to plan. By using the unique identifying expression to access the computer memory, the location of all points along each carrier can be determined.

Abstract: A garment indicia strip and method for size labeling a garment. A strip of flexible material has indicia repeatedly printed along a first major surface thereof. The indica are printed using symbols having a height no greater than the width of an edge of the garment. A second major surface of the strip has a pressure sensitive adhesive material bonded thereto. In use, the second surface of the strip is affixed to a garment at a predetermined position whereby sizing information of the garment can be determined by reading the strip when the garment is folded.

Abstract: A security card comprising a backing, a cover film, and a security image, the security image being located between the backing and the cover film, the backing and the cover film being laminated together without an intermediate adhesive layer, wherein the backing comprises an amorphous copolyester or polyvinyl chloride, and the cover film comprises the other of polyvinyl chloride or an amorphous copolyester. Also, a method for making such security cards.

Abstract: The invention relates to an antifalsification paper having a security element in the form of a thread or band that consists of a translucent plastic film with an at least partly opaque coating. The coating has translucent areas in the form of visually and/or machine readable characters or patterns that form first information. In addition second information in the form of visually and/or machine readable characters or patterns is disposed on the plastic film, differing from the first information with respect to its size and/or visual impression.

Abstract: An apparatus for checking the authenticity of a security document (28). The security document (28) comprises a base material and in its volume particles having some electromagnetic properties which are substantially different from the corresponding electromagnetic properties of the base material. The apparatus comprises at least one emitter (18) for emitting near infrared or visible waves to the document (28), at least one detector (20) for detecting any of the emitted near infrared or visible waves reflected from the document (28) and means (30) for processing the detected near infrared or visible waves in order to differentiate the security document (28) from a document comprising electromagnetic particles or parts on its surface.

Abstract: An article of manufacture includes a substrate layer having an indicator of value thereon; an adhesive layer; and a switch attached to one of the substrate layer and the adhesive layer. The switch is activatable to produce a signal in the presence of a first magnetic field and deactivatable to prevent detection of the signal. The substrate may have a printed pattern and the indicator of value on one surface and the adhesive layer on the other surface, for example, as in a postage stamp. This article may be employed in a mail processing system where mailpieces are fed to a facer canceller where the stamp is deactivated to prevent reuse without pavement to the postal or other issuing authority.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a sleeve for placement around a container utilizes a single continuous sheet of plastic which is folded into an enclosed shape having a front side, a back side and an overlapping section extending over the front side to form a sleeve body. This enclosed shape is held together by welding through adjacent edges of the front and back sides and the overlapping section to form parallel welds. In the final method step at least one precut is formed in the overlapping section. This precut extends parallel to the welds to allow for detachment of a portion of the overlapping section such that the front side is visible. Information can be printed both on the overlapping section and on the front and back sides, so that the sleeve of the invention has a larger surface area for printing than conventional sleeves which include only front and back portions.

Abstract: A method of identifying an object by a machine readable image applied to it in which the image is produced by a plurality of fine particles embossed with a machine readable pattern produced by replicating contact with a diffraction grating having from about 5,000 to about 11,000 grooves per cm.

Abstract: A printer blank for a computer system printer is disclosed. The blank has a contiguous pressure adhesive backed label section and may also have a larger plain paper section separated from the label section by a perforation line. The label section is comprised of a plurality of adhesive backed labels and a backing sheet, including a main label portion and at least one smaller auxiliary label. A preferred blank comprises a plurality of auxiliary labels. In use, at least one, but preferably not all, of the auxiliary labels on such a preferred blank are simultaneously removed from the backing sheet with the main label portion. Any auxiliary label(s) simultaneously removed with the main label but not printed upon are readily separated from the main label.

Abstract: A method and system for collectively tracking demographics of physician (12,14) prescribed starter drug samples dispensed to a plurality of patients (18,20) from a plurality of different dispensing locations (38,40) employs a multipart product specific sample drug voucher, such as a smart card (100) or a preprinted two part voucher (102), which has a marketing information portion (30,34) and a separable prescription portion (32,36) to be completed by the prescribing physician with starter drug sample quantity and dosage information along with patient demographic information.

Abstract: An identification system involves the labeling then tracking of grouped items such as logs, shipping containers, or packets of mail and reporting the current location of identified items during transport, processing, and storage. Machine-readable labels are provided, adapted for recognition and reading from within a cluttered scene. These labels have bordering indicia--used for locating purposes--distinguishable from inner informative indicia. Bordering indicia include either a series of small substantially similar marks like filled or hollow ovals, or one circle, or part of a circle, or a sequence of locating symbols or characters. Informative indicia include dots, bars, rings, or regional text characters. Multiple coding methods and spatial (e.g. Latin Square) replication of indicia are used to minimize errors.

Abstract: A personal anatomy card includes a card member and a machine-readable storage medium integrated in the card member. Machine-readable data including compressed data representative of a three-dimensional model of a portion of the individual is stored on the machine-readable storage medium. The three-dimensional model is formed by tomographically creating a plurality of two-dimensional cross-sectional images of a portion of the individual, processing the plurality of two-dimensional cross-sectional images to form data representative of the three-dimensional model, and compressing the data to form the compressed data. Optionally, a three-dimensional data player is integrated in the card member. The three-dimensional data player includes a display device, a user interface, and a processor. The processor is operative to decode the compressed data in dependence upon navigation instructions received by the user interface to command the display device to display a selected portion of the three-dimensional model.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a Medication Compliance Dispenser to help prevent drug abuse by a patient taking medicine which comprises a multicompartment container wherein (a) at least some of the compartments contain individual doses of the medicine and at least some of the compartments contain a placebo; (b) the compartments containing the medicine are known but unknown to the patient; (c) each compartment is labeled with a code to identify the compartment; (d) the container permits random access to each compartment and the dispersing of its contents; and (e) the Dispenser displays a telephone number which the patient must call to learn the code of a compartment which contains the medicine.

Abstract: A system/process for code-marking and/or machine entering/reading a system of assigned coded reference markers for the relocation, access and retrieval of publication vessels and the desired information upon demand for either paginated or non-paginated vessel types. The system/process consisting of reading/entering either pre-coded and/or machine coding at least one marker (10) for the system before, during or after the marker is adheringly applied to the pre-determined/determined publication vessel(s) (50). The coding may be generated by at least one of the main printer (46) and/or sub-printer on at least one selected face (11,12) of at least one marker, where various forms of machine readable information may distinguish one category of coded markers, individually coded markers or selected marker coded faces thereof from each other to at least one publication vessel for the system.

Abstract: A garment indicia strip and method for size labeling a pair of folded pants. A strip of flexible material has indicia repeatedly printed along a first major surface thereof. The indica are printed using symbols having a height no greater than the width of an edge of said folded pants. A second major surface of the strip has a pressure sensitive adhesive material bonded thereto. In use, the second surface of the strip is affixed to a pair of pants at a predetermined position whereby sizing information of the pants can be determined by reading the strip when the pants are folded.

Abstract: A multiplicity of charitable collection stations are provided with selectors for choosing the charity to which a contribution is destined, a change maker for issuing change if desired, a display for displaying information with respect to premiums available and contributions made, and a modem or other telecommunicator for two-way communications with a central station. The central station communicates with the individual charitable institutions to provide information as to monies collected and signals the machines as to premiums available like food-service items, travel awards and the like.

Abstract: It is possible to determine whether the correct business form parts have been properly provided in an outgoing package (e.g., mailing envelope) containing a plurality of parts, utilizing a magnetic detector capable of detecting magnetic toner within the package. Dense patterns of magnetic toner are imaged on portions of each of the business form parts, located at different positions on different parts. Then the parts are formed into a package (as by folding about fold lines into a self-contained mailer, or inserting into a mailing envelope), and the package is moved with respect to a magnetic detector. The magnetic detector senses the dense magnetic toner patterns within the package to determine whether all the correct parts are properly in the package by determining whether all business form parts in the package have the detectable magnetic toner indicia patterns on the predetermined portions.

Abstract: A central office correlates charitable contributions made at vending stations in food service establishments which issue information carriers in return for charitable contributions which are receipts for the contribution and entitle the donor to a beverage dispensed from a machine responding to the information carrier.

Abstract: A document laminate includes laminating sheets with adhesive on facing sides to laminate a document between the sheets, and shielding sheets covering the document and received within the laminating sheets. When the adhesive is heat activated, the shielding sheets are selected to be not degraded by the activating heat. A document can therefore be removed from the laminate by cutting along a line at one edge of the shielding sheets, and removing the document, which is not adhered to the shielding sheets or the laminating sheets.

Abstract: A high-speed document verification system includes a document which is printed with a pattern having a predetermined arrangement of different reflectivity due to varying densities, line resolutions, or fluorescence. The arrangement represents information about the document. The document is fed into a high-speed document scanner sensitive to the varying ink densities or line resolutions. A graphic image of the document is produced by the scanner and this image or a graphic file of the image is checked to see if the proper pattern exists. A comparison unit, such as an optical character recognition system may be used to compare the scanned document's image with known density arrangements of valid documents to determine what information, if any, is represented by the arrangement. The graphic image may be sent to an operator's work station to be visually checked rather than being compared by the comparison unit or the image may be sent to the operator after it has been rejected by the comparison unit.

Abstract: A low Curie temperature magnetic material (such as chromium dioxide) is used as a magnetic pigment to validate valuable documents such as banknotes. CrO.sub.2 is very black in color and is an excellent magnetic recording medium, and has a Curie temperature of 128 degrees C. A region of a banknote or other valuable document is printed with an ink containing CrO.sub.2 particles. To test the validity of the document, the magnetic media on the document is subjected to magnetic field having a characteristic spatial pattern; the field of a permanent magnet having alternating magnetic poles is a convenient field source. The banknote, and its magnetized region, is then brought to a temperature of at least 128 degrees C, which is readily accomplished by use of a heat lamp, and the region inspected with a magnetic field sensitive optical reader. If it is a genuine bill whose magnetized region was printed with an ink containing CrO.sub.

Abstract: A monetary instrument bearing a machine-only readable indication of information relating thereto.

Abstract: A coupon redemption card and tracking system includes a credit card size redemption coupon card used by the customer, and a tracking sheet used by the redemption center such as a restaurant. The redemption card has a plurality of mini coupons, which can be peeled off individually. Each redeemed coupon is affixed to the tracking sheet, which has dimensions of a dollar bill so that it can be placed in the till of a cash register. The tracking system facilitates the accounting and inventory of redeemed coupons. The coupon card is formed as two laminated layers of special paper joined together by a layer of adhesive material, and a layer of clear plastic film on the top face of the card. The base layer is fabricated from a special paper. An adhesive coating is applied to one side of the base layer. The peel off coupon layer is affixed to the adhesive coating. The finished layered sheet is printed on both sides, die-cut on the coupon side, and then laminated with the film on the other side.

Abstract: A patient care information system which includes a plurality of patient care block assemblies with each block assembly having a patient care symbol thereon indicating patient information relating to the providing of care for the patient. Predetermined ones of the patient care block assemblies are selected relating to the care of a selected patient and those patient care block assemblies so selected are designated as selected patient care block assemblies. The selected patient care block assemblies are displayed in the vicinity of the selected patient where the patient care symbols on the selected patient care block assemblies are available to a care provider rendering care to the selected patient.

Abstract: The objective of the invention is to an identity format provided in each article for enabling search and classification. In a mass distributable print media containing at least one page and a plurality of articles on the page, each article including a title and related text, an improvement includes a range of elements including but not limited to a relative subject matter index number, complete date of publication and publisher name for the print media arranged closely adjacent each article. All or some of these elements may be supplemented by machine readable code such as a bar code. Publishers of newspapers, magazines and the like have not heretofore provided these elements on every article.

Abstract: A visually verifiable and machine-readable security thread having at least two security detection means located thereon, where a first security detection means comprises a machine-readable repeating pattern and where a second security detection means comprises visually verifiable metal-formed indicia. Such security threads are suitable for use with security documents, such as banknotes and the like, labels and any other documents or means of identification used for purposes which make the verification of the authenticity of each specimen desirable at least once in its lifetime.

Abstract: A new method and mechanism for associating information with a medium is provided. Unique markings are placed on the medium. The medium is defined by one or more segments, having first and second ends. The markings on each segment define a range of markings, which can be entered into a data base. By accessing a single marking, the information associated with that range of markings may be obtained.

Abstract: A method of installing a plurality of carrier elements within a building structure. The method includes the steps of determining the intended locations of various carriers within the structure, formulating a record of such locations, assigning to each carrier a location code indicative of the record of the location points comprising its intended path within the structure, storing and retaining the record of the location information in an accessible memory means, such as in a written record or in the memory of a computer, and reproducing at least portions of the codes on portions of each of the carrier elements. The carrier elements are then installed in the structure such that each carrier element follows its intended path, and each carrier element bears a unique code referable to a record that discloses its location path within the structure.

Abstract: A device for detecting fraudulent negotiable instruments by coating areas of the negotiable instruments with a fluorescent substance that, when subjected to an ultraviolet light source, develops an emission of a certain known frequency. The device includes a filter which only passes known emission frequencies so that negotiable instruments can be rejected that do not exhibit that frequency.

Abstract: A recording medium is provided with picture information in a tamper-resistant and high-resolution form. The picture information is broken down into a light/dark portion and a color portion. The light/dark portion needed for the visual impression is incorporated in the recording medium in a high-resolution form. The colored picture information is congruently superimposed on this portion so as to produce an integral ensemble. Protection from falsification is ensured by incorporating one of the portions of the picture information in the card structure in largely tamper-resistant fashion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for verifying the current ownership of a used publication. A first sticker with indicia for identifying the current ownership verification is adhered with permanent adhesive to a portion of the front cover of the publication. A second transparent sticker is adhered with permanent adhesive to a selected page of text of the publication. A portion of the second transparent sticker extends above the selected page of text so that a tab may be adhered to extend above the selected page of text. Indicia providing identification relating to the current owner of the publication is placed beneath the second transparent sticker. A first photo of the current owner may be placed below the second transparent sticker, and a third transparent sticker is secured with permanent adhesive over at least a portion of the indicia providing identification relating to the current owner of the publication.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are disclosed for pairing drugs corresponding to a prescribed treatment with a given patient including marking of arm bands or other identification devices with the patient's identification data, permanently attaching the identification device to the patient, retrieving a drug corresponding to the prescribed treatment and verifying its agreement with the drug administration data stored on the identification device, introducing the drug into a container which is previously marked with the patient identification data and drug administration data and closing the container. The process further includes moving the container to a drug delivery station at the patient location and verifying agreement of the data marked on the container with that stored on the identification device of the patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a way for subjective, graphical measurement of picture sharpness/picture quality. Measuring and assessing picture quality have so far been a time-consuming chore for laboratory engineers having access to expensive and complicated electro-optical measuring equipments. The way described enables an unknown text object to be measured with respect to objective and subjective picture quality using for example a series of previously measured paper pictures in a simple and reliable way.

Abstract: A system for allowing a consumer of wine to easily remember the source, name and year of the wine includes a removable label applicable to the wine bottle, the label being removable and capable of being placed on a memorandum of the transaction by which the user acquired the wine such as a sales slip. The label can be attached to the bottle with reusable glue or alternatively with velcro, or some other appropriate means.