Abstract: An authentication system and method for identifying the source of a marking formed from marking media is disclosed. A registration system preferably tags batches of marking media with taggant material and, for each batch, stores physical property information representing one or more physical properties of that batch. A source assignment system receives source identification information for each of a plurality of sources, stores the source identification information in a database and, for each source, links the source identification information with at least one batch. A source identification system comprises at least one instrument operable to provide physical property information for the media in a marking. The identification system also includes an analysis system operable to compare the physical property information for the media in the marking with the physical property information associated with batches, and to then determine whether there one or more matches of physical property information exist.

Abstract: The invention relates to a document of value consisting of a substrate of predetermined surface area with a printed image visible to the naked eye and a marking in the form of characters, patterns or the like at least partly superimposed on the printed image. The marking is represented by a feature substance having at least one mechanically detectable physical property and extends over the predominant part of the surface of the document. The marking additionally has a given measurable regularity which makes it possible, by mechanical scanning of the marking, to detect the correctness of the distribution and recognize gaps or added partial elements of other authentic documents as disturbances.

Abstract: This invention converts commercially available plastic ID cards, usually made of PVC, and/or electronically printed documents, e.g., laser printed documents, photo copier printed documents, dye-sublimation printed documents, ink jet printed documents, into time dependant, self-expiring badges or documents that display a visual indicia, e.g., change of color, appearance of a word, e.g., VOID after a specified or predetermined period of time. Broadly, a pressure sensitive security sticker is applied to these commercially available plastic ID cards and/or electronically printed documents. The sticker changes color, typically from white to red, after a predetermined period of time. This change in color is caused by the toner/dye/color pigment contained in these documents. The sticker provides a time dependent indicator for these documents.

Abstract: A card embodying the invention includes a substrate with first and second overlying patterns formed over the substrate. The first and second patterns are random relative to each other and define a resultant pattern which is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to duplicate even by the manufacturer of the card. The resultant pattern may be sensed and signals corresponding to the resultant pattern may be either stored in a storage element on the card or in a data base off the card. When the card is subsequently inserted in a card reader in order to be used by a user, the card reader reads the resultant pattern and compares the reading with the signals stored on the card or in the data base which is off the card to ascertain whether the card is valid.

Abstract: The invention relates to different methods for distortion-free production of data carriers having at least in partial areas a transparent plastic layer with a surface structure in the form of a lens structure. The surface structure can be produced by cutting method or embossed by applying heat and pressure. Alternatively the surface structure can be produced as a separate element which is connected after its production with the data carrier.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting parallel marketing of an item, include forming at least one of a coating and a code on the item, interrogating the at least one of the coating and said code, and determining from the interrogating whether the item has been transferred from an authorized merchant to an unauthorized merchant.

Abstract: A flexible container with a wall structure comprised of multi-layer, flexible thin films, including a first film layer that is affixed to the wall structure by a releasable adherence and that incorporates a removable promotional piece. The removable promotional piece is incorporated into the first film layer such that, other than a continuous cut facilitating removal and any conspicuous printing on the removable portion, it is indistinguishable from the rest of the exterior of the package. The continuous cut allows for full detachment of the removable portion from the first film layer so that only the releasable adherence prevents it from separating from the container. The promotional piece is removed by peeling it away from the container, where the peeling is facilitated by the action of the continuous cut and releasable adherence. The removable piece may function as a gaming piece or redeemable coupon, or may be designed to retain a tacky surface and function as a sticker.

Abstract: There is provided a bank note processing machine in which a discrimination sensor can be formed compactly even when bank notes are discriminated using a light source having a plurality of wavelengths and in which the bank note transport path is shortened to achieve compactness.

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: Patterns are aligned on the front and back surfaces of a document to provide an anti-counterfeiting security device. The document is sufficiently transparent to allow see-through of the partial image on the back of the document to be superimposed on the partial image on the front of the document to form a complete image if the patterns are properly aligned. The complete image will disappear if misaligned.

Abstract: A security sheet includes a viewable security feature on or in a substrate (1). A print receptive coating (3-5) is provided on the substrate, the coating being registered relative to the security feature (2, 10) so that it does not overlap the security feature.

Abstract: A business model algorithm for creating a second “original” document of an original document from a first location to a second location by means of transmitting an electronic image of said document and printing the same at the second location, verifying the accuracy of the transmitted image, validating the transmitted ad printed copy and destroying the original document at the first location, and scanning, verifying, printing, comparing accuracy and validation of the transmitted copy, and a business model algorithm for electronic verification and execution of documents by a multiplicity of parties located at different locations from each other and from the location of the document.

Abstract: A method of forming a debit card and a debit card formed by the method are disclosed. A planar card member has opposing surfaces. A PIN is printed on one of the surfaces. The planar card member is advanced along a predetermined path of travel such as on a conveyor. A radiation cured, opaque scratch-off coating is applied onto the surface having the PIN such that the PIN is covered by the applied scratch-off coating. The scratch-off coating is radiation cured, preferably by ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: A discrete micro particle having a micro image, a method of making discrete micro particles and use in authentication of products. The micro images are printed on a photo sensitive layer on a media and the media is ground into small discrete particles on which the micro images can be viewed for verification of the authenticity of a product on which the micro particles have been placed.

Abstract: A document is printed with graphical symbols which encode information but are not human readable; the graphical symbols are formed into some or all of an element which is human readable. Prior art graphical symbols have not been assembly into any kind of human readable element, such as a picture, logo, word, signature or sea. Instead, they have generally been large and obtrusive blocks which considerably mar the appearance of a printed document. This negative impact on appearance has been one of the major causes inhibiting the uptake of graphical symbol technology (e.g. glyphs) for encoding information.

Abstract: A document is printed with graphical symbols which encode information but are not human readable; the graphical symbols are formed into some or all of a visible, decorative element printed onto the document. Prior art graphical symbols have not been assembled into any kind of visible decorative element, such as a picture, logo, word, signature or seal. Instead, they have generally been large and obtrusive blocks which considerably mar the appearance of a printed document. This negative impact on appearance has been one of the major causes inhibiting the uptake of graphical symbol technology (e.g. glyphs) for encoding information.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a printed security device for a document comprises an intaglio printed latent image which has been printed onto a substrate using a highly reflective ink, wherein the intaglio printed latent image is visible when viewed within a first angle range extending from near-vertical to the plane of the latent image towards the image and also within a second angle range closer to the plane of the image, and is not visible when viewed within an angle range between the first and second angle ranges. A change in viewing angle from one angle range to an adjacent angle range results in a visible latent image becoming invisible or vice versa (creating a flip-flop image visibility effect).

Abstract: The present invention describes a method of producing an image which is visually distinct from its reproductions. This method comprises the steps of formulating an ink composition comprising a liquid vehicle and at least one modified pigment having attached at least one organic group and applying this ink composition to a substrate. Methods of determining the authenticity of an image and of verifying the date of creation of an image is also described.

Abstract: A security device comprises an optically variable effect generating structure (3,4). An obscuring layer (7) is located, in use, between the optically variable effect generating structure and a substrate (8) to which the device is secured. A color layer (6) is also included which exhibits one or more predetermined colors when viewed under certain viewing conditions from the side of the device remote from the obscuring layer. The obscuring layer (7) is substantially opaque under the said certain viewing conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus for authenticating an object on the basis of incorporating onto the object at least one security feature known as a microdot which includes plural unique microscopic patterned markers each of which include indicia and the method of making such microdots.

Abstract: Display information is revealed from behind a metal film that can be cleared upon effective contact with a clearing agent. The metal film, while opaque, is generally less than 1000 Angstroms thick and can be cleared by exposure to innocuous agents including food or other household products.

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 line intaglio printing, and to a method for producing the data carrier and a printing plate for blind-embossing a security element.

Abstract: This invention provides a technique capable of always keeping digital watermark information embedded in image data having the embedded digital watermark information by an optimum scheme on the basis of a time factor, or removing a digital watermark, or erasing the image data. An apparatus for achieving the above object has functions of holding image data having additional information embedded as a digital watermark, detecting time information related to the image data, and changing the embedding scheme for the additional information as the digital watermark embedded in the image data on the basis of the detected time information.

Abstract: The control element has a first drawing printed on a first side of the article, comprising at least a first set of geometrical shapes. It includes a second drawing printed on a second side of said article, the second drawing being printed so as to face the first drawing and be in register with the latter, said second drawing comprising at least a second set of geometrical shapes corresponding to the first screen. At least one of said geometrical sets includes sectors which are offset so that, when the front side/reverse side register is correct, the control element has regions of variable density which are visible in transmitted light and are created by said offset sectors.

Abstract: Quantum dots are used as fluorescent taggants in security inks, papers, plastics, explosives, or any other item or substance in which it is desired to provide a distinct signature or marking. Quantum dots of specific sizes, compositions and structures may be used to produce specific fluorescence, mixtures of quantum dots can be used to produce random patterns of spectrally varying fluorescence, and particular quantum dot structures can be used to provide desirable physical and optical properties. The quantum dots may be read with an optical reader, which may be combined with readers using other technologies.

Abstract: A counterfeit-resistant document comprises a substrate and a nano-pattern of nano-structures disposed on the substrate, wherein the nano-pattern is configured for forming a latent message (e.g., a warning or alert message) that appears on a copy of the document. The nano-pattern forms one of a foreground and a background of the latent message; and another pattern, e.g., a conventional pattern or another nano-pattern, forms the other of the foreground and background of the latent message. The nano-pattern and the other pattern are configured, such that the foreground and background exhibit substantially similar visual densities on an original of the document, and exhibit substantially different visual densities on the copied document. This can be accomplished by forming the nano-pattern with nano-structures (e.g.

Abstract: The invention provides for a label such as a temper evident holographic or diffractive security label that consists of at least two separate microstructures (30, 31), one exhibiting a holographic or diffractive security image, the other a non visible non-diffractive structure which controls differential release of a reflector or semi reflector layer (27) to display a separate visual message upon removal of the label by tamper. The advantage over previous prior art devices is that both the diffractive message and the tamper evident message are encoded within the microstructure without any need for additional coating or print layers in the device.

Abstract: Described is a laminate body, in particular a laminate foil, comprising a laser-sensitive layer and an identification element, for example a diffraction and/or hologram structure, a reflection layer, a printed image or the like, which is provided in a second layer and/or in the laser-sensitive layer, wherein the laser-sensitive layer has a marking produced by laser action, which is positioned in accurate register relationship relative to the identification element In addition the subject of the invention is a method of enhancing the forgery-proof nature of such a laminate body in which the laminate body is irradiated by means of a laser so that produced in the laser-sensitive layer is a laser-induced marking positioned in accurate register relationship with the position of the identification element.

Abstract: This invention provides authenticity discriminable printed matter in which a latent image cannot be visually identified under ordinary visible light but appears upon being irradiated with UV rays. A basic image is formed on a base material. The basic image is made of a latent image portion and latent image peripheral portion. The latent image portion and latent image peripheral portion cannot be visually discriminated, and each of them is formed from a set of dots continuously laid out at a predetermined period. The resolution of the dots of the latent image portion is different from that of the dots of the latent image peripheral portion. The latent image portion and latent image peripheral portion have the same percent dot area per unit area and different dot peripheral lengths (contour lengths) per unit area. The latent image portion and latent image peripheral portion are printed by color fluorescent ink, thus obtaining printed matter.

Abstract: A security substrate for a document of value comprises a laminate including a generally transparent core layer and generally transparent outer layers on opposite sides of the core layer. At least one interference filter is embedded within the laminate. The interference filter includes a highly reflective opaque layer on a surface of the core layer and an optically variable thin film multilayer overlying at least a portion of the opaque layer. The interference filter is covered by one of the outer layers.

Abstract: A flexible package, and method for manufacturing same, that provides for the presentation of graphics inside the package using existing converter and vertical form and fill packaging machine technology. The invention involves pre-treating an area with ionized gases prior to the addition of the graphic to allow the graphic to adhere to the surface.

Abstract: In a trading card, a famous athlete's photograph is printed on a substrate of, for example, paper or plastic. The trading card has a signing portion and a seal portion. An IC chip is mounted in the trading card. An autograph is signed in the signing portion, and a seal is affixed in the seal portion. The signing portion and the seal portion are surface-treated; e.g., by means of increasing the surface friction, so that clear signing and seal affixing can be performed. The seal has a seal profile representing a character or a symbol relating to an athlete, preferably unique to him or her; e.g., the athlete's name, uniform number, or motto, etc.

Abstract: Inorganic sheets (10) of at least two surperposed layers are provided with one or more symbols (20) which have a size of between 1 and 10 &mgr;m. The inorganic sheet is made up into pigment flakes (15). The symbols on the pigment flakes (15) allow a tracing of compositions such as printing inks or paintings and of substrates carrying such compositions.

Abstract: A mailing form constructed of a single ply of substrate material which is configured such that it can be folded to form a financial document, such as an accounts payable or payroll check and check voucher, and wherein the ply is further folded to form an outgoing mailer envelope in which the financial document is enclosed for mailing to a recipient.

Abstract: An injected plastic product, such as a security seal, individualised by means of a strip of paper printed with an identification and integrated with an identification surface of the product. According to the invention, delamination of the strip of paper, so as to remove the outer layer or layers with the individualized identification, is not possible without tearing the paper. This may be done by forming the identification surface with one or more small protuberances which are covered by the paper strip or by at least part of the outer surface of the paper strip covered by the plastic injected when making the product. Injection molds suitable for making the product are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is a method of charitable fund raising incorporating “pseudo securities” emulating actual financial securities, such as currency, stocks, bonds and the like, but depicting the image of a celebrity on the face of the pseudo security. The pseudo security is used by charities as a collectible fund-raising premium to donors.

Abstract: A counterfeit-resistant document comprises a contrasting layer and a dynamic camouflaging layer. The contrasting layer is highly contrastive and includes a latent message that can be reproduced over a broad range of copy device control settings. The dynamic camouflaging layer is applied over the contrasting layer to suppress the latent message. The visual density of the dynamic camouflaging layer, which comprises a camouflage pattern that is printed in thermochromic ink, inversely varies with temperature. In this manner, the dynamic camouflaging layer is inactivated at room temperatures so that the latent message is suppressed on the original document, and activated at scanning temperatures so that the latent message is exhibited on a reproduction of the original document.

Abstract: A multilayer card is described. The multilayer card includes a base layer, a watermark layer, an image layer, and an opaque layer. The watermark layer is provided on the base layer and is at least partially transparent. The image layer is provided on the watermark layer. The opaque layer is provided on the image layer.

Abstract: A product provided with a coding pattern which comprises a plurality of marks, each of which represents one of at least two different values, and which further comprises a plurality of nominal positions, each of said plurality of marks being associated with a nominal position and the value of each mark being determined by its location relative to its nominal position. The invention also comprises use of the product.

Abstract: A security document, banknote, bond, travellers check, passport or token, including a substrate (1), said substrate having a device including a first macro-embossing (2, 3) of the substrate having a predetermined feature, and a second micro-embossing of smaller dimensions formed in or on said predetermined feature of said embossing. The first embossing being formed to hide and reveal said second embossing at predetermined viewing angles &agr;, &bgr;. The macro-embossing may comprise lines having a height of about 20 microns and a spacing of 80 microns, and the micro-embossing in the form of lines or dots (4) to a height of about 2 to 5 microns. The lines have a predetermined height (H) and a predetermined spacing (S) such that the ratio S:H is typically from about 6:1 to 2:1.

Abstract: A multi-layer, pressure sensitive label having a print receiving layer, a sealant layer, a silicone layer, a varnish layer and an adhesive layer, whereby the pressure sensitive label is separable from a substrate between the silicone and a varnish layer leaving a transparent surface allowing the viewing or reading of any underlying text, message or indicia on the substrate.

Abstract: Methods of creating tamper resistant informational articles and related products are disclosed. In one embodiment, a lens has a preformed transparent hologram, metallized portions are provided and may be altered through selective application of heat to predetermined parts thereof to create information which may be fixed or variable. Printing may be provided on the hologram before metallizing. A base portion underlies the metallized layer. In yet another embodiment of the invention, an opaque base portion has a hologram formed in the upper surface thereof with portions of the hologram being made readily visible by partial metallization covering only portions of the hologram with or without information provided as by printing overlying or underlying portions of the metallized sector or both. A transparent overlying lens is secured in overlying relationship. Metallizing may be such as to permit viewing underlying hologram portions or information or not. A corresponding method is provided.

Abstract: An article of manufacture associated with a naturally-occurring or historically-related rare item includes a collectible item, a rare material or fragment derived from the rare item, and a certification of authenticity for attesting to the authenticity of the rare material or fragment. The collectible item may be formed from a mixture of the rare material and a common base material. The weight ratio of the base material to the rare material in the mixture is in the range of 1:1 to 1000:1 such that the rare material changes the color and/or the texture of the base material. Alternatively, the collectible item may be formed from a common base material, and the rare fragment may be coupled to the collectible item.

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 indicating a value of the voucher. In another embodiment, a method is provided to assist in distinguishing duplicate or counterfeit vouchers. The method includes providing a substrate with a thermally responsive first indicia, and printing on the substrate at the coin-counting machine at least a second indicia. The second indicia containing at least an indication of a value of the voucher.

Abstract: A self-verifying security document, such as a banknote (1) comprises a flexible sheet formed from a plastics substrate (2) bearing indicia (3). The sheet has a window (5) of transparent plastics material which includes self-verification means (11) for verifying a security device (4) provided at a laterally spaced second portion of the sheet when the sheet is bent or folded to bring the window (5) into register with the security device (4). The self-verification means may be an optical lens (11) for reading an area of microprinting (10). In another embodiment, the self-verification means may be an optical filter (21) for viewing an area (22) printed with metameric inks. In other embodiments, the self-verification means and the security device (4) may be polarising windows (31, 32) or Moire inducing patterns (41, 42).

Abstract: A self-verifying security document, such as a banknote (1) comprises a flexible sheet formed from a plastics substrate (2) bearing indicia (3). The sheet has a window (5) of transparent plastics material which includes self-verification means (11) for verifying a security device (4) provided at a laterally spaced second portion of the sheet when the sheet is bent or folded to brings the window (5) into register with the security device (4). The self-verification means may be an optical lens (11) for reading an area of microprinting (10). In another embodiment, the self-verification means may be an optical filter (21) for viewing an area (22) printed with metameric inks. In other embodiments, the self-verification means and the security device (4) may be polarising windows (31, 32) or Moire inducing patterns (41, 42).

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a tamper evident informational article such as a temporary vehicle registration which may be made of paper or paperboard. The informational article includes a substrate having a zone for inserting information and a refractive image disposed within the zone. A covering is secured to at least a portion of the zone. In that way, efforts to remove the covering from the substrate will result in removal of a portion of the refractive image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a coated paper having at least one mark resembling a watermark, the method being characterized in that said mark is made after the drying step which follows the last coating operation, by performing steps in which: a) a re-wetting solution is applied to at least one face of the coated paper, in one or more determined zones; and b) pressure and heat are applied in said re-wetted zone(s) of the coated paper so as to evaporate said solution and densify the coated paper in said zone(s) relative to the remainder of the paper. The present invention also provides a coated paper including at least one mark resembling a watermark, characterized in that one or more determined zones of the coated paper present a reduction in thickness relative to the remainder of the coated paper, the density per unit area in said zone(s) of the coated paper being identical to that in the remainder of the paper.

Abstract: So that a visually identifiable optical element, in particular a security element for value-bearing documents, for example banknotes, credit cards, passes or cheque documents, or other articles to be safeguarded, comprising a carrier with a diffusely reflecting visible surface and a metallization which is applied in a region-wise manner to the visible surface of the carrier and which has a surface that appears metallically shiny at a glancing angle is improved in such a way that an article provided with the element is even more effectively protected from forgery than is possible with known optical elements, it is proposed that the optical element is so designed that the visible surface of the carrier has two carrier regions with different levels of and in particular diffuse reflectivity for light, wherein a respective sub-region or a plurality of sub-regions of each of the two carrier regions is or are metallized, and that the reflectivity of the metallization in viewing directions outside a glancing angle ra

Abstract: A hologram forming layer, transparent evaporated layer, colored layer, adhesion anchor layer, and adhesive layer are sequentially laminated on the under surface of a base member. The laminated body is used as a seal by the presence of the adhesive layer. It is preferable for the base member to have adequate rigidity (flexibility, tensile strength) and surface flatness. The hologram forming layer has a relief type hologram image. The transparent evaporated layer is a multi-layered ceramic layer constructed by alternately laminating high-refractive index layers and low-refractive index layers and the thickness thereof is preferably set to 1 &mgr;m or less. In the transparent evaporated layer, the color of visible light in predetermined wavelength range is changed according to the viewing angle when it is transmitted therethrough or reflected therefrom.