Abstract: Apparatus and related methods align magnetic flakes in a carrier, such as an ink vehicle or a paint vehicle to create optically variable images in a high-speed, linear printing operation. Images can provide security features on high-value documents, such as bank notes. Magnetic flakes in the ink are aligned using magnets in a linear printing operation. Selected orientation of the magnetic pigment flakes can achieve a variety of illusive optical effects that are useful for decorative or security applications.

Abstract: Methods and systems that provide privacy of signatures on envelopes containing ballots are provided. The envelope for returning ballots includes a removable signature stub positioned on top of a signature area. The voter signs the back of the envelope on the signature stub, thereby imprinting a signature on the signature area by transferring a material from the signature stub to the signature area, and removes the signature stub. The signature is then covered by a label that conceals the signature under normal lighting conditions. To read the signature, light having a predetermined wavelength is directed onto the label, thereby rendering the label transparent and the signature visible.

Abstract: A method of incorporating a second image into a primary image. A vectorial grid is created that is adapted for mapping on to the primary image. A deformation is applied to the grid using data from the second image. The deformed grid is then mapped onto the primary image to create an output image. The second image is revealable by applying a decoder to the output image.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes to encode substrates (e.g., paper, synthetics, etc.) with information, and substrates including signals encoded therein. One claim recites a substrate-making process including: obtaining an element to be utilized in a substrate-making process, the element including a property to introduce a texture pattern including an encoded signal into a substrate, the encoded signal being machine-detectable from image data corresponding to at least a portion of the texture pattern, the encoded signal including a variable component; and utilizing the element to impart the texture pattern into a substrate during the substrate-making process. Another claim recites a physical substrate including: a surface having a texture pattern provided in the surface during a substrate-making process. The texture pattern includes a machine-readable signal that is detectable from image data corresponding to at least a portion of the texture pattern.

Abstract: Improved ways to facilitate the collection and distribution of donations are disclosed. One aspect involves the creation and administration of charitable donation cards. Another aspect involves the creation and administration of charitable donation cards and care cards. Still another aspect of the invention involves creation, distribution and administration of drug sample cards.

Abstract: A method of reducing receipt fraud comprises attempting to detect emission from a receipt associated with one or more luminescent markers that are incorporated in a valid receipt. The receipt is validated when the attempt is successful.

Abstract: A method of fragile watermarking is characterized by the step of generating at least a first ill-conditioned operator, said ill-conditioned operator being related to values extracted from an image or portion thereof A.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for checking the security features of documents of value with at least one sensor in areas of different security categories. Since dependent on the security category different sensor parameters are made available for the respective checking of the security feature, so as to check the same security feature in different ways, the preparing of forgeries can be prevented particularly reliably.

Abstract: Security and/or value document, with security features and with a verification element for verifying the security feature is disclosed. Integrated into the security and/or value document at different positions is at least one verification element and at least one security feature to be verified by the verification element. When the verification element and the security feature are only superimposed, verification takes place.

Abstract: This invention provides an information recording patch that allows accurate authenticity discrimination, a printed sheet, and an authenticity discrimination method therefor. An information recording patch includes a protective layer (1), intermediate layer (2), metal layer (3), and adhesive layer (4). The protective layer (1) made of a material having a predetermined dielectric constant is arranged at the uppermost layer. The intermediate layer (2) made of a material having a predetermined dielectric constant has, on its surface, a three-dimensional pattern corresponding to the design of a hologram forming layer including the intermediate layer and the metal layer. The metal layer (3) made of a material having a predetermined conductivity is arranged on the three-dimensional surface of the intermediate layer to form a conductive film.

Abstract: A security deterrent mark includes one or more areas of interest, and at least one entropy-enhancing region within the one or more areas of interest.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for a security document that includes an area of microprinting a pattern of microprint and a three-dimensional appearing image. The three-dimensional appearing image is formed within the area of microprinting by one or more deviations from the pattern of microprint. In addition, the area of microprinting and the three-dimensional appearing image are not reproducible via a digital imaging device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for a security document that includes a first area of microprinting including a first pattern of microprint and one or more second areas of microprinting including a second pattern of microprint. In addition, the first area of microprinting and the one or more second areas of microprint are not substantially reproducible via a digital imaging device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high security film, optionally in the form of a slit thread or a micro tape, which is then inserted into high security paper such as a bank note paper and the like during the paper making process. The invention envisages a novel method of producing such a high security film using a print transfer method, wherein one or more security features are incorporated on one or more indicia including letters, optionally graphics, during such a production process, using multiple printing stations and lamination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a security element (20) for security papers, value documents and the like, having a micro-optical moiré magnification arrangement having a motif image that consists of a periodic or at least locally periodic arrangement of a plurality of micromotif elements (28) that is planar or applied on a curved surface, and a periodic or at least locally periodic arrangement of a plurality of microfocusing elements (24) that is planar or applied on a curved surface, for moiré-magnified viewing of the micromotif elements (28) of the motif image, the arrangement of micromotif elements (28) and/or the arrangement of microfocusing elements (24) exhibiting, in the planar case, no symmetry axis in the plane of the arrangement in its periodic or at least locally periodic regions.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to privacy film that can be used with documents. The privacy film has a light transmissive, polymeric base sheet that has opposing first and second surfaces. A plurality of light directing elements protrudes from the first surface of the base sheet. The base sheet can be constructed of a first polymeric material. The light directing elements can be constructed of a second polymeric material. The first and second polymeric material may be the same material. The light directing elements are substantially constant in its cross-section dimension and disposed substantially parallel to each other.

Abstract: Am image presentation system employing microstructured icon elements to form an image. In one form a synthetic optical image system is provided that includes an array of focusing elements, and an image system that includes or is formed from an array or pattern of microstructured icon elements, such as those described below, wherein the microstructured icon elements are designed to collectively form an image or certain desired information, and wherein the array of focusing elements and the image system cooperate, for example through optical coupling, to form a synthetic optical image which image may optionally be magnified.

Abstract: A periodic line pattern, which is covered by a periodic lens structure of cylindrical lenses parallel to the lines of the line pattern, is imprinted on a substrate. The period of the lens structure corresponds with the period of the line pattern. The lenses preferably are aligned flush with the lines of the line pattern. The lines consist of paths of elementary printing dots or image dots (pixels). The number of paths of elementary printing dots in one period is at least 4 and not more than 16. The height of the cylindrical lenses at the apex is at least half the width of a period and not more than the width of a period of the line pattern. With advanced offset printing methods, which are employed for instance in safety printing (e.g. for banknotes), a printing resolution of about 4 ?m is achieved. Preferably, the elementary printing dots are chosen only a little larger than the achievable printing resolution.

Abstract: An information page (1) of a security document, includes: an information part (3), on the upper or lower surface of which part of the information recorded on the information page (1) can be seen; and a flexible connecting part (2) with good bending strength for attaching the information page (1) to a security document. To ensure that detaching the information part and the connecting part from each other leaves visible marks, the connecting part (2) has a netlike structure, and the connecting part (2) is arranged to penetrate into the information part (3) in the immediate vicinity of the upper or lower surface of the information part.

Abstract: Vouchers and methods for providing vouchers configured to assist in distinguishing unauthorized duplicate or counterfeit vouchers are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a voucher can include a substrate, a first indicia on the substrate, and a thermally responsive second indicia on the substrate. At least one of the first indicia and the second indicia can indicate a value of the voucher. A system which assists in detecting alteration of value documents or transmissions, such as a coin counter voucher is provided. Voucher information such as the voucher value is included in the voucher in an encrypted or otherwise modified form. When the voucher is presented for redemptions, the encrypted information is decrypted and compared to independently available voucher information. Failure of the information to match indicates that the voucher has been altered or should otherwise be further checked.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for providing a variable data guilloché shaped pattern comprised of variable data differential line pattern fonts comprising decodable template symbols which are capable of being selectively assembled into a predetermined variable data code. The code representations are embedded in the guilloché pattern amongst a plurality of unvaried standard base patterns. The representation can be decoded with a digital scan capable of identifying the embedded patterns and communicated it to a user for verifying a document containing the code.

Abstract: The invention relates to a data carrier having a security element that is at lest visually testable and has an embossing in at least a partial area, the embossing being a halftone blind embossing executed by inkless line intaglio printing, and to a method for producing the data carrier and a printing plate for blind-embossing a security element.

Abstract: A method for implementing a secure printing campaign to thwart counterfeiting is provided. The method includes the steps of selecting a first secure print technology and a second secure print technology that is distinct from the first secure print technology, selecting a first secure print variable for the first secure print technology and a second secure print variable for the second secure print technology, and establishing a first plurality of discrete values for the first secure print variable and a second plurality of discrete values for the second secure print variable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing liquid for sealing mailpieces containing water and a penetration agent, to the uses thereof and to letter-closing devices and franking machines containing such a sealing liquid.

Abstract: Security paper adapted to resist fraudulent alteration of toner-printed information thereon and to make such alteration or attempts at alteration evident has a maximum Scott-Bond strength of 150 J m?2; a Bendtsen roughness of not more than about 150 ml min?1; and is size press or otherwise treated with a thermally-softenable polymer composition, for example acrylic polymer or copolymer, a polyvinyl acetate polymer, a vinyl acetate/ethylene copolymer, or a vinyl acetate/vinyl chloride/ethylene terpolymer. Preferably the paper has filler content of about 15% to about 20% by weight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a document such as a bank note, including: a plurality of juxtaposed interference semi-reflecting multilayer structures; and a zone that is preferably transparent at least part in which there extends at least part of at least one of the multilayer interference structures, which structures are configured in such a manner that an observer can perceive a first color in reflection and a second color, different from the first, in transmission.

Abstract: A counterfeit-proof metal foil is textured in at least a given partial area of its surface, this partial area having a radiation refraction value which is different compared to the remaining surface area. The metal foil is suitable as a packaging material, among others for medications. The manufacturer or the consumer can check based on the given surface structure which is intended as an identification sign whether he has acquired an uncounterfeited product. If texturing takes place on most of the surface of the metal foil, this is identical to the appearance of a printed picture so that the metal foil as claimed in the invention is likewise used as a decorative foil or an advertizing medium.

Abstract: Frequency varying patterns are aligned on the front and back surfaces of a document to provide an anti-counterfeiting security device. The frequency varying patterns are reversed images. The document is sufficiently transparent to allow see-through of the pattern on the back of the document to be superimposed on the pattern on the front of the document. The frequency varying patterns will form a moire pattern if misaligned, regardless of the magnitude and the orientation of the misalignment.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a nonmetallic, tamper-indicating, multi-layer label with a metallic appearance is described. The label comprises a pearlescent layer, a film layer, a patterned release layer, and a pigmented adhesive layer with the provisos that (i) the pigmented adhesive layer is an exterior layer of the label and is substantially free of pearlescent pigment, and (ii) the patterned release layer is an interior layer of the label. Each layer has first and second opposing planar surfaces, and each layer is in intimate contact with the layer or layers immediately adjacent to it. In another embodiment, two layers, one layer comprising a non-pearlescent pigment and the other layer comprising the adhesive, replace the pigmented adhesive layer.

Abstract: A transparent tamper-indicating data sheet is provided wherein a transparent durable layer (a first major component), such as polyester or a multilayer optical film (MOF), is adhered to a fragile layer (a second major component), such as a holographic foil or a security laminate, such as Confirm™ Security Laminate, either the fragile sheet or film or the durable layer being printed with identification and/or verification information. The components of the transparent data sheet are laminated together with or without an adhesive layer between the two major components. The two major components have the same outside dimensions and are congruent. Evidence of tampering with the identification or verification information is easily viewed from either side of the transparent data sheet.

Abstract: A method for printing a plurality of randomized tickets that include a play combination area for a game of chance is provided. One of the steps of this method is to provide data to a printer. The data includes a digital press sheet that includes the plurality of randomized tickets where each randomized ticket includes an identification image. The digital press sheet includes a plurality of different identification images. Another step is to print the digital press sheet onto a substrate where the printer does not perform a further randomization of the plurality of randomized tickets. In another example, a blockout area is provided for a breakopen ticket to provide a printable area on an inner surface of the breakopen portion. In another example, a method is provided to digitally divide a plurality of randomized tickets into groups of relatively equal sizes where approximately equal payout values are provided within the plurality of randomized tickets of each group.

Abstract: A tamper indicating device. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a backing having a first side and a second side, wherein the backing comprises a first phase and a second phase, wherein the backing has a first level of light diffusion, and when a peeling force is applied to the backing, the backing fractures or internally delaminates and has a second level of light diffusion that is a higher level of light diffusion than the first level of light diffusion; a flood coat applied to the second side of the backing, the flood coat defining a window therein; and a mask applied to the tamper indicating device, the mask being in partial or whole registration with the window in the flood coat.

Abstract: A method for imprinting documents imprints visible printed matter on multiple pages of imprintable material and including visible control indicia in one of the marginal portions. The visible control indicia are scanned and data is transmitted to a computer which then imprints on the pages in invisible ink invisible control indicia associated with the visible control indicia. Subsequently, an energy source is applied to the invisible control indicia to render the control indicia discernable to a scanner. The discernable control indicia is scanned to generate data sent to a computer where it is compared with information stored in the computer to determine that the pages conform to stored parameters. Further operations on the pages in which the invisible control indicia are activated may be conducted by reading the data in the invisible control indicia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pigments comprising a substrate and, applied thereto, an iron-containing coating comprising metallic iron, process for the preparation of the pigments according to the invention, and the use thereof.

Abstract: A transaction card assembly may include a scratch-off layer that conceals a PIN or other security-sensitive information.

Abstract: A system for generating secure documents includes a station for generating a plain document and a security image generator that generates a security image. The security image is then incorporated into the plain document. Each security image consists of a plurality of secure elements, each secure element being defined by two sets of parallel lines. Each secure element defines an alphanumeric character or other unique image that is visible under certain conditions, i.e., when inspected through a viewer. The technique can also be used to provide security images on a web page as a means of indicating that the web page is genuine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security marking whose level of proof against forgery is greater than that of known security markings, comprising liquid-crystalline material with chiral phase, wherein the security marking is imperceptible to the eye and the properties of the liquid-crystalline material with chiral phase can be detected with the aid of detection systems.

Abstract: A postage sheet includes a face sheet adhesively bonded to a release liner. The face sheet includes a removable internet stamp having a diecut perimeter. A visible security indicium is disposed on the front side of the stamp and has a different color than the face sheet, and is not reproducible by photocopying.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel security feature in the form of a luminescent marking for integration in a recording material. The security feature comprises a radiation layer (21) with luminescent components and a masking layer (2) with cavity pigments at least partly masking the radiation layer. The pigments in the masking layer (2) are fused by locally defined heal treatment into the form of a marking. The invention particularly relates to a heat-sensitive recording material comprising, in a preferred embodiment, at least one substrate (10), a heat-sensitive recording layer (30), an intermediate layer (21), between the substrate and the heat-sensitive recording layer in the form of a radiation layer with luminescent components and a masking layer with cavity pigments (2), the pigments of the masking layer (2) being fused in the form of a marking by locally defined fusion.

Abstract: A security element, such as a thread, strip and the like, for security documents in general, which comprises a flexible backing layer that has, on at least one face, a layer of metallic material provided with regions in which the thickness of the metal is less than 70% and more than 25% of the thickness of the layer of metallic material of the nearby portions, and further comprises a layer of embossed holographic lacquer between the backing layer and the layer of metallic material.

Abstract: The invention therefore comprises a security substrate (11) comprising a fibrous substrate and a security device (10) The security device (10) comprises an at least partially light transmissive polymeric carrier layer bearing a first security feature and the substrate being provided with a second security feature. The first and second security features are formed and located relative to each other such that, when one side of the security substrate (11) is viewed in transmitted light the first and second security features visually combine to form a first composite image, which is not seen in reflected light.

Abstract: Methods for producing an information carrier comprising the steps of: (1) providing an information carrier precursor comprising: a rigid sheet or support; a receiving layer configuration comprising at least one constituent layer; and a layer or element capable of a human-readable or machine-readable change upon absorbing UV, visible or IR radiation, wherein at least one layer of the receiving layer configuration is opaque, porous, has the capability of being rendered substantially transparent upon penetration by a lacquer provided at the outermost surface of the receiving layer configuration and comprises at least one pigment and at least one binder; (2) realizing a temporary transparentization pattern by applying a vaporizable liquid pattern-wise or integrally to the receiving layer configuration; (3) writing with a light source a first pattern in the layer or element capable of human readable or machine-readable change; and in any order evaporating the vaporizable liquid; applying a second pattern to the ou

Abstract: The security element comprises a background (1) with juxtaposed geometrical elements (2 to 8) each formed by a set of lines, the lines of a geometrical element having a different angle to those of an adjacent element. The lines of a part of the geometric elements are printed with a conventional ink and the lines of other parts of the geometrical elements are printed with an ink having metallic characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a security document, useful in particular for preventing falsification and counterfeiting of payment vouchers or official documents by reproduction, characterized in that it includes, as security means, a security protection feature (M) consisting of a first feature (M1) formed from substances exhibiting an interferential effect and of a second feature (M2) formed from substances that react to certain stimulations, such as light radiation or thermal, magnetic, electromagnetic, electrical or microwave-type stimulation, giving a light response visible to the human eye or a specific signal detectable by means of a suitable apparatus. The invention also relates to the method of producing said document.

Abstract: A lottery ticket has a covering scratch-off coating applied over at least part of a game area, including game data applied over an ink layer including a lily pad. A detectable taggant additive material is admixed in an ink of the ink layer having the characteristic of being detectable by a detection scanner when applied over the substrate where the covering scratch-off coating masks the ability of the detection scanner to detect the detectable taggant additive material through the covering scratch-off coating. The scanning of the game area is used to detect areas where the scratch is removed in order to confirm that the game has been played or to detect patterns of removal in a probability type game.

Abstract: A security document and a method of making and authenticating the document in which the document contains a security feature of an image/background pattern printed in one subtractive color on the document and at least one other but different image/background pattern printed in another subtractive color superimposed directly over the one image/background pattern.

Abstract: A multiple-layered watermark is generated to be placed on document, to protect against counterfeiting and forgery. Hidden information embedded into each of the watermark's layers is only detectable by using a corresponding decoder. Because of the multiple-layered structure, it is difficult to reverse engineer the optical watermark. The generalized watermark structure significantly increases the “key space” of the decoder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a data carrier having a security element that is at least visually testable and has an embossing in at least a partial area, the embossing being a halftone blind embossing executed by inkless intaglio printing, and to a method for producing the data carrier and a printing plate for blind-embossing a security element.

Abstract: The invention described herein utilizes a universally known and accepted unique item that is independently identifiable and valuable so as to be constituted for difficulty of counterfeiting as an authenticator item. The identity of this item is included in an authorization calculation which can only be accomplished by an authorizing issuing authority. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the authenticator is a serial numbered item such as a currency bill or note. The document may be created in a decentralized fashion using ordinary plain paper and the document may even take electronic or other forms. The issuing authority must have the critical or important details of the document and must authorize the creation of the document before it can be created. Further the document's authenticity may be verified without communication back to the issuing authority.

Abstract: Transaction cards having one or more folds therein for compact and easily stored transaction cards are provided. Moreover, foldable transaction cards are provided having one or more holes or apertures therein for holding key chains, or other devices for attaching the transaction cards to other items, such as sets of keys, wallets, or other items. Other embodiments include spring-loaded clips on the foldable transaction cards and protective sleeves, housings or cases for full-sized and smaller-sized cards. Still further, transaction card systems are provided comprising a case or housing for holding and/or storing foldable transaction cards therein, such as foldable transaction cards having a dimension, such as a length dimension or a width dimension, that is smaller than traditionall-sized transaction cards.