Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a security paper or board product carrying micro or nano structures such as diffractive optical elements in which method the diffractive structures are integrated into the security paper or board product at the manufacturing process of said product. The invention also relates to a method for producing a security package carrying diffractive structures in which method the diffractive structures are integrated into the security package at a manufacturing stage of the security package material. The invention further relates to a security package containing authentication information in a form of diffractive structures in which package the diffractive structures are included in the security package at least in one of the following forms: as embossed in the package material, as part of the size or paste or resin used in the manufacturing process of the security package, or as part of the ink used in printing the security package or the security package material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for testing the authenticity of documents, in particular bank notes, documents of value or security documents, by authenticity criteria.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with security elements for security articles such as banknotes, cheques and the like. The invention further comprises a security element for use with security materials, said element comprising a first layer, to one side of which is applied at least one optically variable device, and on the other side of said first layer are applied indicia, and a thermochromic coating applied over the indicia, wherein the thermochromic coating comprises a thermochromic material which is coloured when the temperature of said thermochromic coating is below an activation temperature, which colour substantially obscures the indicia and enhances the visibility of the optically variable device, and wherein the thermochromic material becomes colourless at or above said activation temperature, to thereby reveal the indicia, and to render the optically variable device substantially invisible in reflected light.

Abstract: This invention is directed to improvements in paper incorporating an elongate impermeable element, to a method of making such paper and to documents made therefrom.

Abstract: Authenticity/security identification consists of an optical marking and an (acoustic/electro)magnetic marking. The optical marking can comprise a hologram. The two identification marks are produced as a single entity during the production in a number of immediately successive steps. During this process a layer of soft magnetic material is provided with an additional layer of metal which contains the hologram.

Abstract: Paper is textured with a pattern that yields a known signature signal when transformed to the frequency domain. This signature can be used for various purposes, including determining the angular orientation of the paper when scanned, conveying a plural-bit digital watermark, and for simple document recognition purposes (e.g., photocopiers that refuse to reproduce banknotes). The texturing can be effected during the paper-making process, e.g., by shaping the surface of a de-watering element accordingly.

Abstract: A two-dimensional code and a predetermined figure pattern are printed on a medium. An error in the two-dimensional code is correctable during decoding of the two-dimensional code. A cell position corresponding to a position of the error is detectable. The predetermined figure pattern is made of special ink. The two-dimensional code and the predetermined figure pattern overlap each other at a specified place in the medium. The two-dimensional code is optically read from the medium. The two-dimensional code which has been optically read is decoded. In cases where error correction is executed during the decoding of the two-dimensional code, detection is given of an error correction position corresponding to a cell position having a related error. A determination is made as to whether or not the detected error correction position is in the specified place. Judging whether or not the medium is counterfeit is executed in response to a result of the determination.

Abstract: A security document or device having a substrate (2), a smooth highly reflective layer (1) applied to the substrate (2) and having a reflectivity of at least 60 gloss units, a raised printed image (3) of lines or dots applied to said reflective layer (1) by a printing process and having a height of about 10 to 100 &mgr;m, and typically about 30 &mgr;m, and a similar spacing being adjacent lines or dots, the hue chroma value of the ink used to print the image being between 30 and about 50 chroma units tending towards a saturation value of 60 chroma units, the lightness of the ink being at least 50 L degrees (lightness units), and typically between 70 and 100 L degrees.

Abstract: A decorative foil (1) has a laminate structure comprising at least two layers (2; 3). The layers (2; 3) include a for example transparent base foil (2) which is coated on side with a reflection layer (3). A protective layer (4) can protect the reflection layer (3) from external influences. The shaping surface (7) of the base foil (2), which is towards the reflection layer (3), has a structure, obtained by shaping, of groups of geometrical shapes. An area occupied by the group is of width of between 30 &mgr;m and 300 &mgr;m. Elements (14) of the group, which are shaped in the base foil (2), are of a substantially rectangular cross-section, wherein the surface occupied by the group is composed of element surfaces (9 through 11) which are in a parallel plane (8) with respect to the shaping surface (7) and residual surfaces (13) which have remained in the plane of the shaping surface (7). The surfaces occupied by the groups are separated by regions of a background area in the plane of the shaping surface (7).

Abstract: This invention adds a graphic field to an electronic ticket. The graphic field is designed to produce a “tell” a visible known image (a large number of detectable halftone gray steps) when printed by a personal computer printer. Additionally, the graphic field will change in appearance when the ticket originally printed by the personal computer printer is digitally reproduced by either scanning or photocopying. The foregoing makes it more difficult to copy and/or forge the ticket.

Abstract: A method of packaging print media in combination with a printing device enables the printing device to automatically determine the type of media, and its characteristics and attributes, loaded in a media input tray. The print media package includes a pre-cut or perforated line which allows the removal of one end of the package forming a partial package exposing one end of sheets of the print media and encasing the print media. The print media is loaded in the media input tray encased in the partial package with the exposed ends of the print media sheets accessible to the printing device feed roller. The print media package includes an identifying code imprinted on an outside surface of the package located on the remaining portion of the package when the package end has been removed. The media input tray includes a sensor mounted in a location accessible to the identifying code when the print media encased in the partial package is loaded in the media input tray.

Abstract: An article comprising a substrate having a first portion of transparent plastic and/or cellulosic material, and a security device provided at a second position on the article spaced laterally from the transparent first portion, wherein the transparent first portion includes verification means to verify and/or inspect the security device when the first and second portions of the article are brought into register with one another. The article, which may comprise a label and/or tag, may be used as means for authenticating the origin of high value products.

Abstract: A dyestuff capable of undergoing a clearly visible colour change when contacted with a color-developing material is dispersed in the body of a plastics film and used in the identification of goods. The film can be used for packaging of the goods or as a label or seal affixed to the goods. When testing the authenticity of packaging goods, the plastics film is marked with the color-developing chemical to produce a colored mark on the package. The dyestuff is preferably a latent dyestuff which is colorless and invisible to the eye under ambient conditions for use of the film but which forms a clearly visible color when contacted with the color-developing material.

Abstract: A process for forming lenticular labels on a continuous web so that the lenticules are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the web. The process includes the steps of: advancing a continuous web of label stock including an adhesive on both sides; providing multiple sheets of lenticular assemblies; and securing the sheets of lenticular assemblies to one side of the continuous web with that lenticules of the lenticular assemblies oriented perpendicularly to the length of the continuous web.

Abstract: An anti-counterfeiting device for application to or association with consumer goods to give an indication of authenticity comprises: a substrate (10); a latent image (11) formed on the substrate that becomes visible upon exposure to oxygen; an oxygen-impermeable layer (12) covering the latent image, and means to break the oxygen-impermeable layer. The latent image is preferably formed by printing an oxygen-sensitive colouring material on to the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tubular label with pre-printed fixed information adapted to be wrapped around a container body of a container with an inwardly facing surface of the tubular label contacting the container body and the pre-printed fixed information being visible from the outside of the container. The tubular label includes printed arbitrary information such as lottery indicia provided on the inwardly facing surface by a non-impact printer in such a manner as to be invisible through the outwardly facing surface of the tubular label. An elongated tubular member and method of manufacturing the same, as well as a labeled container are also provided.

Abstract: A method of correcting an article of mail and the article is disclosed. The article of mail has opposing sides and an edge and identifying indicia positioned on at least one of the sides adjacent an edge. A dual neutralizing mask is applied onto at least a substantial portion of the edge and overlaps the opposing sides in an area adjacent the edge to neutralize by covering at least a major portion of the identifying indicia. The indicia has neutralized and cannot be used in subsequent mail processing.

Abstract: In the method of protecting and identifying a three-dimensional article such as a work of art, a precious article, or an industrial component that is made by a foundry, casting, or like technique, marker elements (50) are included in the main material (30) of the article during manufacture thereof, the nature of the marker elements being different from that of the main material (30) of the article so as to react to means for non-destructive investigation of the internal structure of the article in a manner that is different from said main material (30) of the article, metal marker elements (50) constituted by balls are selected that present a melting point higher than that of the main metal material (30) of the article, the marker elements (50) in the solid state are introduced in random manner and without premixing into the main material (30) of the article while it is in the liquid state and the article is being cast, and after the article has been made, it is identified by identifying marker elements in th

Abstract: The present invention relates to an identification document for a subject. The identification document includes a substrate, and a visual image formed on the substrate. The visual image includes a face image of the subject in a first area, and invisible but retrievable embedded information formed in the face image in the first area but not formed in a second area of the visual image. The embedded information corresponds to the identity of the subject and is usable to identify the subject.

Abstract: An invisible ink composition and a method to ensure document confidentiality are disclosed. The invisible ink composition includes a carrier as a solvent; and at least one leuco dye evenly dispersing in the carrier. The invisible ink becomes visible while the leuco dye combines with a weak acidic developer.

Abstract: In producing a film by printing on a top sheet with non-glossy surface, a first glossy varnish imprint adheres on the surface. A second continuous imprint produced on the first, adheres neither on the top sheet nor on the varnish, and the film is completed. A glossy imprint is thus provided in the film external surface which is then applied on a document to protect it from being reproduced by optical scanning.

Abstract: A test target having N invisible test data encodements (660-66N, 740-74N, 74′0-74′N) each comprising test data printed over the surface of test print media media in a defined spatial order printed in invisible ink by a printer under test. The invisible ink print quality of the printer is determined by the ability of an invisible encodement reader to decode certain of the N invisible encodements (660-66N, 740-74N, 74′0-74′N). In a first preferred embodiment, a test print media is prepared by pre-printing or coating a media surface with an invisible ink that is sensitive to the same wavelength of light as the printer ink in a plurality N of areas on the media surface providing step background densities (580-58N) ranging from no applied ink to maximum printer ink density in a test tablet manner In the test mode, N test data files are printed as N invisible encodements (660-66N) in the corresponding N areas (580-58N) thereby creating a test target that is to be read by the reader.

Abstract: A secure sticker is provided comprising a waterproof base portion including a paper ply, static printed matter, and a resin, wherein the paper ply and the static printed matter are sealed within the resin, and wherein the resin is substantially transparent to light in the visible spectrum. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a secure sticker is provided comprising a substantially waterproof base portion, a liner ply, and an adhesive interface. The substantially waterproof base portion includes a paper ply, static printed matter, and a resin. The paper ply and the static printed matter are sealed within the resin. The resin is substantially transparent to light in the visible spectrum. The liner ply defines a label portion and a removable portion, wherein the label portion includes variable printed matter thereon. The adhesive interface is arranged to adhere the liner ply to the base portion.

Abstract: A label for an optical disc having a non-circular perimeter includes a sheet having a non-circular having a non-circular perimeter and a central aperture disposed in a sheet which has a perimeter for enabling registration of a label with an optical disc in order to provide for balanced rotation of the optical disc in order to provided for balanced rotation of the optical disc with the label fixed thereto. The sheet may be provided with an adhesive for fixing a sheet to the optical disc.

Abstract: A security system for a document utilizing a plurality of fluorescent snippets on the document with other encryption data printed thereon with visible and invisible inks that becomes bright when subjected to certain light. The system combines visible and invisible data that is encrypted, totaled and when subjected to an algorithm will match a selected component of said data.

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 pertains to security paper and methods of making such security paper. The invention comprises a light-colored base paper having a non-protection area of a first thickness, and a protection area of a second thickness on at least one major surface of the base paper wherein the first thickness is greater than the second thickness. The base paper comprises colorant whereby the protection area exhibits a translucence when viewed using transmitted light, and exhibits the colorant as a darker color indication, relative to the non-protection area, when viewed using reflected light. Transmission of light through a combination of paper fibers and the colorant of the invention, both being disposed at the protection area, is discernibly different from transmission of light through the non-protection areas of the base paper, when viewed with a human eye.

Abstract: Image or audio content data is encoded to steganographically convey plural bit auxiliary data. The content data is thereafter subjected to lossy compression/decompression, and the auxiliary data can still be recovered and used, e.g., to control associated audio or video equipment.

Abstract: A method and system for embedding signatures within visual images in both digital representation and print or film. A signature is inseparably embedded within the visible image, the signature persisting through image transforms that include resizing as well as conversion to print or film among the pixels of an original image. The pixel values of the signature points and surrounding pixels are adjusted by an amount detectable by a digital scanner. The adjusted signature points form a digital signature which is stored for future identification of subject images derived from the image. In one embodiment, a signature is embedded within an image by locating relative extrema in the continuous space of pixel values and selecting the signature points from among the extrema. Preferably, the signature is redundantly embedded in the image such that any of the redundant representations can be used to identify the signature.

Abstract: A discrete micro continuous tone image provided on a photosensitive media, a product containing the micro discrete continuous tone image, and a method of making same. The micro discrete continuous tone image can be formed using near field optics which results in forming images of about 20 microns in size.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing anti-counterfeit card label uses a man-made technical layer of unduplicated artificial sculpture in addition to the multiple-angle, multiple image reflective graphic display to constitute a totally unduplicable reflective whole graphics (which is known as 3D graphics), that can effectively generate the anti-counterfeit function. Furthermore, the present invention collaborates with the application of anti-tearing technology such that after the anti-counterfeit label is attached to the back of the card and is disposed between the middle layer of the card, it can prevent the anti-counterfeit label from being torn away from the card, and hence it ensures the card from any unauthorized or stolen use. The present invention increases the difficulty of counterfeiting, and further enhances the reliability of manufacturing the card.

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 noise model is applied to digital signals, such as digital image and audio signals, to determine a tolerable noise level for embedding an auxiliary data carrying signal into the digital signals.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and an arrangement for embedding auxiliary data in an information signal.

Abstract: A form is provided having a fold line dividing the form into a first panel and a second panel. Hidden information is provided within the first panel. The second panel is suitably impregnated with a transparentizing composition such that a transparentized window portion is defined integral with the second panel. A decoder is constructed comprising the transparentized window portion. The positioning of the hidden information within the first panel, and the decoder in the second panel is such that when the form is folded along the fold line, the hidden information becomes apparent to a user by viewing the first panel in conjunction with the decoder.

Abstract: Universally available preprinted forms are used in a general purpose printing device to allow for the subsequent verification of the authenticity of a printed document such as a ticket, stamp, check, or money order. In operation, the user accesses the seller of the goods/services and during an information exchange with the seller there is inputted at least a portion of the preprinted data from the form. The seller then uses this information to formulate a printable control indicia which is then printed on the form at the user's location. When the form is subsequently presented to the seller, for example when the user uses the form he/she printed, the preprinted portion of the form is used to obtain a decipher key which in turn is used to decipher the control indica. If desired, a special security marking may be associated with the form for additional security. Inability to decode the control indicia indicates that the printed material on the form may not be authentic.

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 polarizing windows (31, 32) or Moire inducing patterns (41, 42).

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: The invention relates to a security element for protecting objects which has at least one mechanically testable magnetic layer and at least one further layer consisting of a layer semitransparent in the visual spectral region. The semitransparent layer is additionally disposed over the magnetic layer so as to cover the magnetic layer. The invention further relates to a security document with such a security element.

Abstract: This invention pertains to security paper and methods of making such security paper. The invention comprises a light-colored base paper having a non-protection area of a first thickness, and a protection area of a second thickness on at least one major surface of the base paper wherein the first thickness is greater than the second thickness. The base paper comprises colorant whereby the protection area exhibits a translucence when viewed using transmitted light, and exhibits the colorant as a darker color indication, relative to the non-protection area, when viewed using reflected light. Transmission of light through a combination of paper fibers and the colorant of the invention, both being disposed at the protection area, is discernibly different from transmission of light through the non-protection areas of the base paper, when viewed with a human eye.

Abstract: Variable confidential information (12) is printed over scrambling pattern (14) which is formed of thermochromatic ink. Information (12) cannot be read due to the presence of the underlying scrambling pattern. The information becomes readable when heat is applied to the thermochromatic ink and the optical properties of the thermochromatic ink are altered.

Abstract: The present invention in one aspect is directed to a method for labeling the durable surface of an object for its identification, which object has a durable surface or a durable surface tag affixed to the object. This method includes the use of “pit and fall” (i.e., holes and bumps as are used to record compact discs, CD-ROMs) technology to encode durable surface objects with coded message. The coded message can be information on the owner, a history of the object, or any other information desired. The coded message would not be detectable to the human eye; however, by scanning the pits and falls with a laser, the coded message could be detected and displayed. Such coded message encoding could be used, for example, to label objects for their identification in case of theft, or in case of product counterfeiting or diversion.

Abstract: Methods and systems for creating online tickets enable a user to purchase a ticket over the Internet and to redeem the ticket for admission at a ticketed event. Barcodes are printed on the tickets and contain unique authentication information. Dual barcoding enables authentication information of the ticket to be read when one of the barcodes is damaged or cannot be read. A copy of the authentication information is stored in a database and is used to verify the authenticity of a ticket when it is presented for redemption at a ticket event. Authenticity of the ticket is verified by comparing authentication information on the ticket with authentication information accessed from the database. To discourage counterfeiting, the tickets contain transparent images that when photocopied become opaque and prevent a ticket from being redeemed.

Abstract: A transparent data sheet is provided wherein a transparent durable film (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 film 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, such that the printed information or image is sandwiched between the two films. The two major components have the same outside dimensions and are congruent.

Abstract: A security element in the form of a thread or strip to be embedded in security documents such as bank notes, checks, bonds, identity cards, credit cards or the like, having characters, patterns, etc., that are readable by transmitted light to the naked eye and/or by machine. The security element consists of a transparent plastic film having an opaque coating extending over the element with blank areas in the form of the characters and patterns to be introduced. The security element also contains, in areas congruent with the blank areas, coloring and/or luminescent substances which cause the characters and/or patterns to differ from the security document and from the opaque coating by color contrast under suitable light conditions.

Abstract: A security document (1), such as a bank note, is formed from a sheet-like substrate (10) of clear plastic material with layers (13, 14, 15, 16) of opacifying ink applied to the surfaces (11, 12) of the substrate (10). The security document (1) includes a security device (20) which is at least partially obscured by the layers (13, 14) of opacifying ink on a flat surface (11) of the substrate (10). The layers (15, 16) on the second surface (12) of the substrate (10) are applied in such a manner so as to leave a “half-window” area uncovered by opacifying ink through which the security device (20) is visible for one side of the document (1). The security device (20) may extend transversely outside the half-window area and be visible in transmission, enabling a different contrasting effect to be observed from both sides of the document.

Abstract: A security document (1), such as a bank note, is formed from a sheet-like substrate (10) of clear plastic material with layers (13, 14, 15, 16) of opacifying ink applied to the surfaces (11, 12) of the substrate (10). The security document (1) includes a security device (20) which is at least partially obscured by the layers (13, 14) of opacifying ink on a flat surface (11) of the substrate (10). The layers (15, 16) on the second surface (12) of the substrate (10) are applied in such a manner so as to leave a “half-window” area uncovered by opacifying ink through which the security device (20) is visible for one side of the document (1). The security device (20) may extend transversely outside the half-window area and be visible in transmission, enabling a different contrasting effect to be observed from both sides of the document.

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

Abstract: Devices are disclosed for the display of the “activated” or “deactivated” state of electromagnetic or acousto-magnetic security tags, whereby it is possible to recognize, at a glance, whether the goods, for example on a pallet, have activated or deactivated security tags.

Abstract: A method for deterring forgeries and authenticating signatures placed on any document or other object (collectively “Item”) is disclosed. A first two dimensional bar code or 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.