Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are capable of hiding a message, such as, for example, a copyright notice or other indicium of authorship, in an electronic document. An illustrative embodiment of the present invention comprises encoding an electronic document with a plurality of tags from a case insensitive markup language; and modulating the case of at least one tag character in at least one of said plurality of tags with a binary string, wherein the binary string represents a message to be hidden in the electronic document.

Abstract: A security label has a bar code on the outer surface of an outer layer which is permanently bonded to an inner layer. A pull tab defined in the material of the outer and second layers is joined to a detachable portion extending across the length of the label whereby removal of the pull tab will tear out the detachable portion to prevent recognition of the optically readable pattern.

Abstract: A tamper indicating label including an upper sheet having an adhesive lower surface detachably attached to a backing sheet and divided into separable sections by a weakened line such that indicia such as the user's signature can be inscribed on the face of the sheet and across the weakened line such that one of the sections can be separated from the backing sheet and applied to the opening seam of an article such as a suitcase and the remaining section utilized as a receipt.

Abstract: Documents bearing a thin reflective extruded security stripe comprising a leafing aluminum pigment having a gloss characteristic of from 20 to 24 as measured on a Gardner/BYK Microglass meter at a 60.degree. angle. A water soluble dye may be incorporated in the stripe. A method of making the document and a dye containing leafing aluminum pigment for extrusion on the document are also disclosed.

Abstract: A laminated multilayer film substrate for use in the production of banknotes having an oriented polypropylene layer and at least one high density polyethylene layer on each side of the oriented polypropylene layer which are preweakened to eliminate delamination. The resultant films exhibit good embossability, dead-fold characteristics and other properties, and are difficult to counterfeit, making them highly suited for the production of bank notes and other security documents.

Abstract: A method for printing information on a substrate having security features includes the steps of: applying a DC potential difference (DC.sub.TB) between a back electrode and a toner delivery means to create a flow of toner particles from the toner delivery means to the back electrode; interposing a printhead structure, the printhead structure having printing apertures and control electrodes around the printing apertures, between the toner delivery means and the back electrode so as to create a spacing having a width L between the printhead structure and the back electrode and to imagewise control the flow of toner particles; passing the substrate having a thickness T in .mu.m through the spacing; adjusting the spacing between the printhead structure and the back electrode such that the width of the spacing L is greater than or equal to 1.5 T; adjusting the DC potential difference (DC.sub.TB) such that the relationship .vertline.DC.sub.TB .vertline./L, expressed in volts per micrometer (V/.mu.

Abstract: A document protection system is disclosed which employs a thermochromic pantograph and a validation mark. Also disclosed is a method to print thermochromic pantographs onto a substrate. A thermochromic pantograph according to the present invention has a latent image which is rendered visible when sufficient heat is applied to the document to activate the reactive properties of the thermochromic ink. The latent image could form a warning message such as "STOP" or "ALERT" which would alert recipients that a counterfeit copy has potentially been created. The thermochromic pantograph may also comprise a camouflage background pattern which conceals the printed ink of the latent image. A validation mark preferably has a latent "validation" image which can be visually identified on an original document, but which cannot be accurately reproduced by conventional copying or scanning means, and thus will not be visible on an unauthorized copy or duplicate.

Abstract: The method provides the protection or personalization of the pre-printed sheets by impressing microengravings, on all or some of the printed portions of the sheets, through an embossing process carried out on the pre-printed sheets at a temperature higher than the softening point of the dyeing substances used for obtaining the print thereon and followed by a cooling step, said microengravings corresponding to holograms or diffraction patterns or images or words.

Abstract: Security paper carries an intricate tactile surface profile pattern which has been imparted to the paper during its manufacture, at a stage after initial de-watering but before final drying, by passing the paper through a nip between a forming surface corresponding to the desired pattern and a backing surface. The tactile pattern is of excellent durability, and its intricacy offers a high degree of security. The tactile pattern is visible when viewed under low angle light, which facilitates verification or authentication of security documents made using the patterned paper.

Abstract: A release coated liner and security labels containing such release coated liners are described. In one embodiment the labels comprise(A) a sheet having an upper and a lower surface;(B) an adhesive layer having an upper surface and a lower surface and having its upper surface in contact with the lower surface of the sheet; and(C) a liner with a release coating removably affixed to the lower surface of the adhesive layer (B) wherein the release coating contains a microencapsulated material which is capable of marking a substrate when (a) at least some of the capsules are broken, (b) the liner with release coating is removed from the label, and (c) the label, without liner and release coating is applied to a substrate.The sheet (A) may be a multilayer sheet. In preferred embodiments, the microencapsulated material is an etchant or a fluorescent agent. The security labels may be applied to glass or metal and is preferably applied to painted glass or metal.

Abstract: A data processing form for use with photo-sensing apparatus that detect the presence of indicia at indicia-receiving locations on the form. The form is composed of a sheet of carrier material and plurality of indicia-receiving locations. The indicia-receiving locations are defined by a mutable colored composition including a mutable colorant and an ultraviolet radiation transorber such that the indicia-receiving locations are adapted to become substantially undetectable by photo-sensing apparatus upon irradiating the colored composition with ultraviolet radiation at a dosage level sufficient to irreversibly mutate the colorant. The colored composition may be irradiated with radiation in the ultraviolet region of the ultraviolet spectrum.

Abstract: A secure manner for issuing travellers cheques and other instruments is provided which overcomes many of the shortcomings associated with known devices. In particular, the present invention provides a device which permits an issuer of prepaid instruments to securely provide credit, replacement, or reimbursement to a purchaser who has lost or had stolen a prepaid instrument.

Abstract: A method for printing a scrambled image and decoding mechanism in registration one on top of the other. The decoding mechanism is not immediately apparent upon inspection. A person decodes the scrambled image by exposing the decoding mechanism.

Abstract: A media for restricting the copying of a document utilizing one or more microdots that are embedded in said document for providing a non-visual, but machine detectable mark or marks. The detected means for detecting the presence of one or more microdots in said document inhibits a copy machine from copying the document.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a document with counterfeit- and forgery-preventing means particularly for valued papers and the like, which comprise a sheet-like element having, on at least one face, a graphic marking that is visible in reflected light. The particularity of the invention resides in the fact that it comprises at least one variation in the thickness of said sheet-like element which provides a graphic representation that can be viewed against the light and is complementary with respect to the at least one graphic marking.

Abstract: A security document is provided comprising a substrate having a top surface for carrying indicia. The top surface has a plurality of areas. Each of the areas contains background printed matter on the top surface. The background printed matter made up of a pattern of background elements. Each of the areas also contains a security term printed on the top surface of the substrate. The security term is composed of a pattern of security term elements. The background elements and/or the security term elements differ in element size, shape, angle, density, and/or frequency between adjacent areas. Also, within each of the areas either the background elements or the security term elements are not readily duplicated by a color copier while the remaining elements in the area are readily duplicated by a color copier. This results in a visually perceptible security term being produced upon copying of the security document.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composite image arrangement, comprising a pattern and a further pattern, substantially parallel to the first pattern, each comprising a plurality of visually contrasting regions, the patterns being in fixed positions relative one to the other on either side of a light transmissive lamina.

Abstract: A media for restricting the copying of a document utilizing one or more microdots that are embedded in said document for providing a non-visual, but machine detectable mark or marks. The detected means for detecting the presence of one or more microdots in said document inhibits a copy machine from copying the document.

Abstract: A document that resists copying by ordinary color copiers and color scanners. An area that is printed with color dots using a gradient print screen that exceeds resolutions available on commonly available color copiers and color scanners. The area may therefore comprise lighter regions (having fewer screen lines per inch) and darker regions (having more screen lines per inch). Multiple colors may be printed with different gradient print screens, and regions which are darker or lighter for a first color may or may not be darker or lighter for a second color. The document may also comprise a second area that is printed with a moire pattern. The moire pattern may be generated by adjusting an angle between a pair of print screens, such as a pair of gradient print screens. A set of colors for printing may avoid common printing ink colors, may prefer yellow, light green, or light blue, and may avoid red, purple, or violet, to raise the difficulty in copying by color copiers or color scanners.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for encoding color information in monochrome (black and white) documents. The present invention includes a method and apparatus to produce color documents that interprets color information stored on a document containing an image in monochrome and generates an image in color based on the color information.

Abstract: Photochromic printing inks are disclosed which are in particular used for the printing of security documents. Prints are normally nearly colorless and become colored when energy irradiated, such as by ultraviolet light. This photocoloration is reversible. The printing inks contain photochromic compounds which are protected against other ink components. Methods are described to prepare the inks, to print security documents, and to detect counterfeiting.

Abstract: A compact disk identification system (50) utilizes a destructible adhesive sticker (20, 202, 204, 206) to identify the owner of a compact disk (40). The sticker includes a top layer (22) that is marked with printed indicia (26) providing ownership information. The top layer is backed by an adhesive face (34) covered with an adhesive providing an adhesive strength exceeding the tear strength of the top layer. The top layer is affixed to the compact disk using a base plate (52) and a pestle (54) having a central cylinder (62). A very close tolerance between the cylinder, the disk, the top layer, and the pestle provides a substantially perfect central alignment of the top layer on the disk. The stickers are also used in conjunction with a computer program (P300) providing data storage management function.

Abstract: An anticopying film or layer consists of a film or of a layer of transparent material having a large number of completely or partially nontransparent regions which are arranged distances apart and whose planes are arranged in about the same predetermined position relative to the surfaces of the film or of the layer so that, from a predetermined viewing angle onto the surfaces of the anticopying film, the latter is essentially transparent. The regions consist at least partially of photosensitive material which is converted by the action of radiation into nontransparent or reflecting material, it also being possible to provide, in the transparent plastics material, furrows or grooves in which the photosensitive material is present.

Abstract: A negotiable document includes enhanced security for deterring the fraudulent photocopying of the subject negotiable document. A first pantographic design is imprinted as the general background of the front face of a check and a second pantographic background design is imprinted in the amount line and in the signature line. The enhanced security document of the present invention further includes a muted warning phrase of a first dot size incorporated in the first pantographic design and a muted warning phrase of a second dot size incorporated in the second pantographic background design. Alternatively, it will be understood that a similar warning phrase may be generated with a different first and second size dot density or line density instead of a first dot size and a second dot size. By using a plurality of line densities, or dot densities, or dot sizes for the warning phrases, an unauthorized individual will be unable to adjust a photocopier to mask a single warning phrase.

Abstract: There is provided by the present invention an image processing apparatus which accurately determines a copying-inhibited document prepared by using paper with a copying-inhibited pattern printed or copied on the entire surface thereof by checking for each pixel data constituting image data whether an object pixel has a black peak density coincident to that of a copying-inhibited document, whether a white area having a specified size exists at a peripheral area at a distance therefrom, whether the object pixel is a screen tone graph or character area pixel, or an illegal area pixel or not.

Abstract: A tamper and counterfeit resistant security maker comprises relief impressions having a plurality of distinct and contrasting relief structures, wherein a first relief structure comprises a background pattern and at least a second relief structure comprises a latent image pattern containing informational content. The relief patterns comprise different optical properties which facilitates the viewing of a latent image pattern at certain angles.

Abstract: An informational article having a separation control material disposed on a portion of the surface of the article and an information receiving layer overlying at least a portion of the separation control material and a portion of the surface. The information receiving layer is adapted to receive information thereon. A transparent tape is adhesively bonded to the information receiving layer containing the information. The transparent tape is more strongly adhered to the information receiving layer than the information receiving layer is adhered to the separation control material. In this way, removal of the transparent tape from the article removes both (i) the information receiving layer and (ii) the information overlying the separation control material from the remainder of the information receiving layer and the information. Because of this, evidence of tampering is easily, visually, detectable. An associated method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention includes a pattern of fine slits formed in the material of document where sensitive information is intended to be printed or imprinted, wherein the slit pattern modifies the tensile strength of the substrate. In addition, the slit pattern modifies the toner or ink permeability of a substrate to facilitate the penetration of the toner or ink printed or imprinted on the surface of document into the substrate. Further, the design of the slit pattern can be coordinated with a latent image pattern to comprise optical properties such that the physical response of a typical duplicating or photocopy device to the validation mark will allow a copy to be easily discerned from an original.

Abstract: An information storage medium has a base portion and a code storage portion. The code storage portion is disposed on the base portion and contains an infrared absorber which absorbs substantially only infrared rays within a narrow wavelength band. If a real information storage medium is produced like that, subject mediums are judged real or not by a method includes the steps of emitting rays to the subject medium, receiving rays reflected from the subject medium, detecting a first reflectance at the peak absorption wavelength and a second reflectance at a comparison wavelength near the peak wavelength, and judging if the subject medium is real or not. The rays at the comparison wavelength are not very much absorbed by the absorber.

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 secure transaction card (C) accepted for transactions by a customer has usable customer identifying information (I). The card (C) has a card body (16) with an upper surface (18). The upper surface (18) has an indicator area (20) indicating that the secure transaction card (C) should not be accepted for a transaction by the customer. A layer (22) removable from the card body (16) is adapted to be superimposed over the indicator area (20) such that the secured transaction card (C) is in an acceptable state (24) when the removable layer (22) covers the indicator area (20) and in an unacceptable state (26) when the removable layer (22) is absent or damaged.

Abstract: Several techniques to acquire a counterfeit proof security document. The invention includes improvements for use with non-replicable image line frequency techniques, as well as stand-along printing techniques, that exhibit electro-optical copy and photographic copy frustration characteristics such as experiences with use of color-graduated (tonally graded) substrates, blooming or flaring print patterns, pixel differentiation of discrete indicia and combinations of these with certain printing ink (or) varnish under/overcoat.

Abstract: A security label system includes a security label, a protective label, and a means for applying said labels to an item using an applicator workstation. Preferably, said security label system inexpensively and readily identifies and protects compact disc multimedia from theft or damage occurring during sale or rental. Said security label system includes tamper-evident, non-transferable security labels and a reliable means of identification that does not damage or interfere with delicate digital data. In particular, a security label system readily informs merchants if merchandise has been tampered with.

Abstract: An anti-copy film or layer for originals or documents comprises according to the invention transparent film material having a multiplicity of at least partially opaque and possibly reflective areas arranged at distances from one another which are arranged as screens on the film surfaces essentially in horizontal planes, in particular parallel to one another, but offset, so that information on an original lying under this film or layer is masked in an approximately vertical viewing direction and is visible in the direction of a predefined viewing angle. Expedient production methods enable the use of photographic techniques.

Abstract: The instant invention is a carrier of documents for use with facsimile machines. The carrier is particularly effective for odd sized documents and can be reused indefinitely for holding documents as they pass through the scanner of a facsimile machine. The carrier is divided into two portions with an upper portion providing a location for placement of identification indicia and a lower portion providing a document backing. Engagement tabs secure a document to the carrier and are forced while the carrier passes through a facsimile machine. The tabs allow for the reversal of the carrier wherein each side surface includes distinct indicia.

Abstract: A leach resistant ink composition including a diphenyl guanidine compound, an acid, and a resin. The ink composition may further include a glycol and an alcohol and can be printed on paper, such as, for example, in the word "VOID". If bleach is used to attempt to alter the document, the initially colorless ink will form a colored image in the shapes or letters printed on the paper. The ink composition is resistant to leaching upon contact with, for example, water. The presence of the acid enables the security composition to be invisible by preventing or minimizing undesirable reactions with chemically sensitive paper.

Abstract: An authentication system combines a source of ultraviolet light (and optionally a scanning mechanism) with apparatus for capturing and recognizing either graphic images or characters or both, where the graphic images and/or characters have been previously made with fluorescent substances that may be invisible under ordinary visible light, but are rendered detectable by the ultraviolet light. As in conventional optical character recognition (OCR), the characters may be conventional alphanumeric characters readable by human readers once they are made visible. The authentication system has a housing enclosing its optical path, a source of UV light, a detector for detecting graphic images or characters, conversion of the detector signal to digital form, a memory storing predetermined indicia, recognition logic, and indicating means. The system may also include a scanning mechanism and optical filters to select predetermined wavelengths of fluorescent light.

Abstract: An informational article having a separation control material disposed on a portion of the surface of the article and an information receiving layer overlying at least a portion of the separation control material and a portion of the surface. The information receiving layer is adapted to receive information thereon. A transparent tape is adhesively bonded to the information receiving layer containing the information. The transparent tape is more strongly adhered to the information receiving layer than the information receiving layer is adhered to the separation control material. In this way, removal of the transparent tape from the article removes both (i) the information receiving layer and (ii) the information overlying the separation control material from the remainder of the information receiving layer and the information. Because of this, evidence of tampering is easily, visually, detectable. An associated method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A security element for the authentication of a substrate has a pattern comprising optical diffraction elements which are embossed in a carrier material of plastic material and unembossed neutral areas. On the embossing side of the carrier material a reflecting layer covers only surfaces with relief structures of the diffraction elements while the neutral areas which lie between are free of the reflecting layer and are therefore non-reflecting. If the security element is stuck in the form of a stamp onto the substrate and the carrier material is transparent, image portions, which are covered by the stamp, of a feature on the substrate can be discerned through the neutral areas.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method and apparatus, as implemented by a software program on a computer system, for digitally producing counterfeit-deterring scrambled or coded indicia images, typically in a printed form. This method and system are capable of combining a source image with a latent image so the scrambled latent image is visible only when viewed through a special decoder lens. The digital processing allows different latent images to be encoded according to different parameters. Additionally, latent images might be encoded into single component colors of an original visible image, at various angles from each other.

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 .mu.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.

Abstract: A protective cover comprising of a flexible polymeric sheet bonded continuously along three sides to form a pocket for slidably inserting an insert therethrough. An opaque coating, preferably black in color, is applied at specific desired location on the surface of either the front, rear, or on both of the sheets comprising the protective cover. The opaque coating, generally rectangular in shape, is used to block off from view, information contained on an insert, such as an identification card, by positioning the opaque coating on the surface of either polymeric sheet such that when the insert is fully inserted on the protective cover, the opaque coating sits directly on top of the information to be blocked. The sheets are either both transparent or one transparent and the other non-transparent. The protective cover can come singly or in a number of bound flippable, overlapping protective covers.

Abstract: A residential placard system comprised of adhesive letters and numbers with a symbol color-coded backing adapted to be assembled and provide a customized visual information window display alert for emergency personnel, and particularly firemen, in quickly and efficiently determining and identifying the occupancy status and circumstances existent within a household residence at a time of call response, wherein the letter and number components of the system are affixed in an array upon the symbol color-coded backing base carrier in a standardized format known to emergency personnel, which display may be conveniently made current to up-date changed occupancy status and circumstance conditions within a household residence.

Abstract: A piece of printed material has preprinted, hidden data and includes a structure which prevents premature or unauthorized revealing of the hidden lottery or gaming data. For example, an instant scratch-off lottery ticket according to the invention includes a substrate, an ink layer disposed on the substrate, the ink layer including hidden lottery data. An ink-receptive layer is provided between the ink layer and the substrate and includes a first security mechanism for preventing unauthorized detection of the hidden data. A second security mechanism is disposed between the ink-receptive layer and the substrate which further prevents unauthorized detection of the lottery data.

Abstract: A means of identification or document of value which includes a paper or polymer region, in particular, bank notes, passports, identification cards or any other document of sufficient value to make it liable to be copied or counterfeited, includes a watermark in the region and a liquid crystal material applied to the region and to at least a part of the watermark to produce optical effects which differ when viewed in transmitted and reflected light.

Abstract: A composition for the delocalized marking of articles, which makes the forging or improper use or exploitation of these articles difficult. It includes chemical elements having a K.sub..alpha. line of from 3.69 keV to 76.315 keV in defined distributions, the physical properties of these substances and/or their elemental and/or quantitative composition serving as delocalized information which cannot be discerned with the naked eye.

Abstract: A security device for identifying products includes a printing medium in which luminescent agents are dispersed and having at least one opaque part disposed on at least one luminescent part of the medium. The opaque part is the same color as the luminescent part and has at least one contour of a different color. When illuminated by predetermined radiation in the non-visible spectrum, the device shows an image different than that observed in ordinary light.

Abstract: Security strips or threads are provided which are suitable for at least partial incorporation in and/or for mounting on security documents or means for identification, such as labels, and which comprise the following deposited or laminated layers: at least one layer of a plastic substrate; a layer of a first security detection feature made up of identifying marks or indicia; and a layer of a second security detection feature comprising a generally invisible, optionally repeating pattern. The repeating pattern comprises at least one very thin conductive region and at least one electrically isolating region. Also provided is a security paper having such a security thread at least partially embedded therein and/or mounted on a surface thereof and a process for making the security paper. Further provided is a method of verifying the authenticity and reading the coded information of a security paper employing such a security thread.

Abstract: The invention provides a transparent multilayer film comprising a cover layer, a destructible or irreversibly deformable layer, respectively, a pattern of adhesion-regulating material between the cover layer and the damagable layer, and an adhesive layer for bonding with a substrate. The damagable layer has a thickness of at least 10 .mu.m. The following relationship applies to the cohesive strength as well as the adhesion between the layers:a and d>c>bwherebya is the adhesive strength between cover layer (1) and layer (3) in the areas where no adhesion-regulating material (2) is present,b is the adhesive strength between cover layer (1) and layer (3), in the areas where adhesion-regulating material (2) is present,c is the cohesive strength of layer (3), andd is the adhesive strength between layer (3) and adhesive layer (5).The invention also provides for the use of the transparent multilayer film for protection of data on documents, as well as its use as a tamper-proof label.