Abstract: An optical structure comprising first and second opposite outside faces, at least a first interface comprising a first screen of microreliefs and arranged in such a manner that travel through the first interface from the first outside face towards the second outside face, passes from a first medium having a first refractive index to a second medium having a second refractive index that is greater than the first, and at least one second interface comprising a second screen of microreliefs and arranged in such a manner that travel through the second interface from the first outside face towards the second outside face, passes from a third medium having a third refractive index to a fourth medium having a fourth refractive index less than the third.

Abstract: Improvements in security devices are provided that are used for authenticating or security applications. The security device includes a first color-shifting layer and a second color-shifting layer, which exhibits different reflective characteristics to the first color-shifting layer. A partial first light absorbing layer is between first surfaces of the first and second color-shifting layers and a second light absorbing layer applied to a second surface of the second color-shifting layer. The color of the partial first absorbing layer is selected to substantially match the color of light reflected at a normal angle of incidence by the combination of the second color-shifting layer and the second absorbing layer.

Abstract: Described are a number of mechanisms that can reduce transaction costs and increase the economic viability of a number of products. Included is a combination instant lottery ticket and debit card that makes it possible to issue prepaid debit cards having a relatively low monetary value. Also included is a combination on-line ticket/receipt and debit card that can automate the prize paying process, simplifying the retailer's responsibilities while reducing the potential for fraud. Various cash flow and authentication techniques such as age and location verification, nano payment methods and spam filters based on these mechanisms are also described. In addition, instant lottery tickets, and in particular, losing tickets can be provided with a small residual value by placing account information on the ticket. In another version, a lottery ticket can be combined with a payment card that operates as a closed payment system whereby the payment card can only be used with a specified vendor.

Abstract: A method of defining a glyph font character representing an input binary code includes defining a first portion of a matrix using an input binary code including a plurality of input bits. A second portion of the matrix is defined by performing a transformation on the input binary code so that the second portion of the matrix includes a plurality of transformed bits. A glyph character is derived that corresponds to the matrix. The glyph character is defined by a plurality of components corresponding in location to said bits of said matrix, wherein the components of the glyph character comprise a first component (e.g. a forward slash /) that corresponds to and represents a “1” bit of the matrix and second component (e.g., a backslash \) that corresponds to and represents a “0” bit of the matrix. The transformation operation includes a NOT operation or other logic operation, and includes a shift operation.

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 encoded indicia images. 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 security device comprising at least first and second superposed optically variable effect generating structures (3-5, 31-51), each having a surface relief microstructure, the second optically variable effect generating structure being viewable through the first.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward improvements in security substrates, such as paper, used for making security documents, such as bank notes, having anti-counterfeit able features and in particular to security substrates incorporating an elongate security element and methods of making the substrate. The invention comprises a security substrate for making security documents and the like comprising a fibrous base substrate and an elongate security element at least partially embedded therein. At one surface of the security substrate one portion of the security element is exposed to provide a continuous track along the length of the security element. A plurality of other portions along at least one edge of the security element are partially covered by overlapping regions of the fibrous substrate. The invention further comprises a method of manufacturing such a security substrate.

Abstract: A liquid crystal polymer marking is obtainable by a process that comprises applying a chiral liquid crystal precursor composition onto a substrate, heating the composition to a first chiral liquid crystal state, applying to at least one area of the precursor composition a chiral dopant composition, heating the at least one area to bring same to a second chiral liquid crystal state, and subsequently curing and/or polymerizing the resultant product. This abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A liquid crystal polymer marking is obtainable by a process that comprises applying a first chiral liquid crystal precursor composition onto a substrate, heating the composition to bring same to a first chiral liquid crystal state, applying to at least one area of the first composition a second chiral liquid crystal precursor composition, heating the at least one area to bring same to a second chiral liquid crystal state, and subsequently curing and/or polymerizing the resultant product. This abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A liquid crystal polymer marking is obtainable by a process that comprises applying a chiral liquid crystal precursor composition onto a substrate, heating the composition to a bring same to a chiral liquid crystal state, locally applying at least one modifying agent to modify the chiral liquid crystal state, and curing and/or polymerization the resultant product. This abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A liquid crystal polymer marking is obtainable by a process that comprises applying a chiral liquid crystal precursor composition onto a substrate, heating the composition to a chiral liquid crystal state, applying to at least one area of the precursor composition a modifying composition, if necessary, heating the at least one area to bring same to a modified liquid crystal state, and subsequently curing and/or polymerizing the resultant product. This abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: High refractive index coatings having metal oxide particles are disclosed. Dispersions of metal oxide particles in solvent are also disclosed. These find use in the protection of surface relief structures. In some disclosed embodiments, the coatings or dispersions contain UV-curable resins. The coatings and dispersions find application in the field of security devices and documents and tokens incorporating security devices.

Abstract: In order to produce a data carrier, a substrate is printed with a printing ink and personalized by means of a laser. The printing ink is laser-active and is converted at least in regions during the personalization in such a way that, for example, a silver-grade pigment is formed which is readily visible only when the substrate is inclined. In particular, the printing ink has a comparatively small proportion of carbon black that is converted by the laser essentially without disturbing combustion and overall formation.

Abstract: The invention concerns a security document comprising a translucent carrier substrate, in particular of paper and/or plastic material, and at least one security element which is applied to the carrier substrate or embedded in the carrier substrate and which presents at least one image when viewed in the transillumination mode from at least a first side of the security document and simulates a presence of at least a first watermark in the carrier substrate, wherein the security element has at least region-wise at least one layer which simulates the first watermark, wherein the at least one layer of the security element, that simulates the first watermark, imparts thereto unexpected optical effects in relation to security elements with conventional watermarks.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a polymer layer composite that comprises a plurality of polymer layers and at least one polymer layer contains a laser-sensitive component, said method consisting of the following steps: A) first personalized information is applied to at least one of the polymer layers by means of an inkjet printing method as a colored inkjet printed layer, B) the polymer layer with the colored inkjet printed layer is then joined to the other polymer layers, the polymer layer with the colored inkjet printed layer being arranged between two other polymer layers, C) second personalized information is inscribed into the polymer layer composite obtained in step B) by means of laser engraving. The invention also relates to a thus obtained polymer layer composite, a security and/or valuable document comprising a polymer layer composite of said type and to a method for producing a security and/or valuable document of said type.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of securement of a security document comprising providing a security document to be secured comprising a support on which are inscribed personalization data, an optical security component covering at least a portion of the personalization data and an adhesive layer positioned between the support and the optical security component, and applying a transparent anti-adhesive layer on the optical security component.

Abstract: A label structure is disclosed for mounting on a container and includes a base panel for affixing to a surface of the container. An adhesive is applied to at least a portion of a rear face of the base panel for adhering the base panel to the container. The label structure further includes a leaflet associated with the base panel for application to the container with the base panel, and the leaflet comprising at least one panel with opposite faces. The label structure also includes a laminating strip securing the leaflet to the base panel, and the laminating strip overlies the leaflet and overlying the base panel. In some embodiments, the leaflet is positioned adjacent to the base panel, with a first portion of the leaflet overlying the base panel and a second portion of the leaflet not overlying the base panel.

Abstract: A device and method for allowing secure self-capture of multifold fingerprint impressions. The device includes a strip of fingerprint labels wrapped about a tubular ergonomic roller. A subject inserts the thumb of a first hand into the ergonomic roller and grips the roller between his thumb and forefinger. The subject then rolls the inked tip of a finger on his second hand across a label in a first rotational direction while rotating the ergonomic roller in an opposite rotational direction. To prevent fraudulent substitution of fingerprinting materials that are distributed to a subject, the materials are marked with machine readable invisible barcodes that are associated with a unique identification number. After a subject captures his fingerprints and submits his materials to a trusted observer, the barcodes on the materials are compared to the identification number to determine whether the materials submitted are in-fact those that were distributed to the subject.

Abstract: The invention concerns a security document comprising a flexible carrier and a multi-layer flexible film body which is applied to the flexible carrier and which provides one or more optical security features. The flexible multi-layer film body has an electrically controller display element for generating an optical security feature with associated electrical current source for operation of the display element in combination with an optically active diffractive structure.

Abstract: A mailer intermediate, foldable into postcard size, includes a generally rectangular sheet of card stock having first and second side edges, first and second end edges, and first and second faces. A fold line extends substantially transverse to the side edges and substantially bisecting them, and dividing the sheet into first and second portions. An adhesive pattern on the first face of the sheet, adjacent at least one of the first and second end edges, secures the first and second portions together adjacent the first and second end edges. An obscuring coating and a camouflage image are provided on the first face of the sheet. Variable indicia are printed on the obscuring coating, and are not legible when viewed by an observer who separates the first and second portions while the first and second portions remain secured together adjacent the first and second end edges. The obscuring coating may comprise a multi-layer, thermochromic coating.

Abstract: In apparatus for and a method of inserting a series of contents (1) into a series of containers (3), identifying magnetic indicia are printed on each one of the series of contents before insertion in the containers. After insertion and sealing of the containers the contents cannot be visually inspected without breaking the seals. The indicia are magnetically read by a reader (7) through the material of the sealed containers (3) and visible indicia corresponding to the identifying magnetic indicator retrieved from store (6), and applied to the exterior of the containers by a printer (5). The apparatus and method are applicable to automatic mailing systems where it is necessary to ensure that the correct addresses corresponding to a previously inserted series of letters in a series of respective envelopes are printed later on the exteriors of the envelopes. Instead of magnetically based systems, infra-red radio isotope or radio frequency identification based systems may also be used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a security film comprising a fibrous substrate incorporated at least partially in which is a security strip that comprises at least one security element and that extends between two edges of said fibrous substrate, said security strip being made of paper and comprising an adhesive.

Abstract: A soil and/or moisture resistant secure document and a method for producing such a secure document, are provided. The inventive method preferably employs a size press or other similar device to force a soil and/or moisture resistant formulation into the pores of the substrate and to remove excess formulation from opposing surfaces thereof. Soil and/or moisture resistant formulations when applied this way instead of by way of standard coating techniques do not obscure optically variable effects generated by non-porous OVDs that may be employed on or within these secure documents. In addition, thin layers of fibers (e.g., papermaking fibers) overlying and thus embedding portions of security devices in windowed secure documents that have been rendered soil and/or moisture resistant in accordance with this invention demonstrate increased durability.

Abstract: With the printing method according to the above described aspect of the present invention, when first ink and second ink made of resin are placed on a printing medium, a first dot for which a first ink droplet land on the printing medium and a plurality of second dots for which a plurality of second ink droplets land on the printing medium are in contact, but adjacent ones of the second dots are separated from each other. With this printing method, the first ink is high in stretchability, and the glass transition point when the second ink is cured is higher than the glass transition point when the first ink is cured.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes an identifying unit configured to identify a printing capability of an apparatus that is a transmission destination of first image data, and a converting unit configured to convert the first image data, which has been instructed to be printed with a transparent recording material, into second image data that can be printed by the transmission destination apparatus, on the basis of the identification result of the identifying unit and information attached to the first image data.

Abstract: A fingerprint matching system includes a first minutiae obtaining unit and a second minutiae obtaining unit adapted to obtain minutiae information of first and second fingerprints. On the minutiae of the first fingerprint, a deformable mesh is constructed by a mesh construction unit, and a mesh transformation unit is used to transform a state of the deformable mesh, thereby obtaining a distortion-compensated first fingerprint. Based on the distortion-compensated first fingerprint, a matching determination unit determines whether the first fingerprint matches the second fingerprint or not.

Abstract: A substrate has a coding pattern printed on a surface thereof. The coding pattern encodes a plurality of Reed-Solomon symbols. Any one symbol has a value represented by m macrodots distributed amongst p possible positions within the symbol. The positions of the m macrodots amongst the p possible positions determines the value of the Reed-Solomon symbol. The macrodots of a first symbol that is adjacent to a second symbol are distributed such that the macrodots of the first symbol are not adjacent to the macrodots of the second symbol.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a methodology, apparatus and product, of combining a void pantograph security feature with a faux watermark feature creating a resilient void pantograph digitally manipulated in an electronic format and printed through any digital platform from high resolution output devices such as but not limited to film/plate image setters used in standard offset printing, high speed commercial digital ink or toner based presses and printers, and low resolution output devices such as all ink/toner based desktop printers, multifunction printers, in which the amalgamation of the two features authenticate the other feature to produce a document security feature which is self authenticable. Such electronic format can conveniently be issued on-demand onto plain paper using any digital output device driven by an executable software, print driver and/or printer firmware application.

Abstract: According to the present invention, authenticities of paper fingerprint information and of document information are collectively determined through formation of an original that is given an encoded image in which both paper fingerprint information and document information are encoded. By collectively guaranteeing identities of the paper form and of the document, it becomes possible to realize the more reliable authenticity guarantee.

Abstract: In an apparatus and a method for producing diffraction- and interference-active structures by micro-pattern stamping a metal object, a micro-stamping arrangement is provided including a micro-stamping station with a micro-pattern stamp for generating a diffraction-active structure on the metal object, an application station for applying a protective layer to the diffraction-active structure and a macro-stamping station for applying a macroscopic image relief over the diffraction active structure while it is protected by the protective layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security paper for producing value documents, such as bank notes or the like, which includes a creasable, multilayer substrate having at least one paper layer and at least one film, and to a method for producing such a security paper.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a polymer strip useful to secure information contained on a face of a card includes the steps of extruding a polymer resin to form an optically transparent strip and then embossing an optically variable device into a first surface of this optically transparent strip. A time from when the optically transparent strip exits an extruder until embossing is effective to prevent the optically transparent strip from cooling to a temperature below 120° C. Subsequent to embossing, the optically variable device may be entirely or partially metalized. Alternatively, or in addition, to the metallization, security features may be formed into that first surface.

Abstract: A financial transaction device is disclosed. The device includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface comprises a writable field enabling a writing instrument and/or a printing device to write on the first writable field. The writable field allows transaction device purchasers to include a custom note, picture, design, logo, pattern and/or any other indicia on the device. The writable field creates an added element of thoughtfulness to make the gift exchange more special.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include such relating to security elements for embedment in security papers, value documents and the like, having a substrate foil having opposing first and second main surfaces, an optically variable security feature disposed on the first main surface and an adhesive layer applied to the second main surface. Further embodiments are disclosed including methods for manufacturing security elements, embodiments relating to security papers and value documents, and other embodiments.

Abstract: Method for increasing at least one of the solubility and dispersibility of a quaterrylene and/or terrylene dye in a liquid medium, including binding the quaterrylene or terrylene dye to a polymer which is soluble in the liquid medium. Various aspects relate without limitation to polymer-bonded quaterrylene or terrylene dyes, processes, markings, security features, articles and dye-doped polymers.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a system and method for treating a printed flexible book cover prior to book binding. In the embodiments, a liquid (e.g., water or a water-oil solvent mixture) can be applied (e.g., by a liquid applicator, such as a spray nozzle, sponge, brush, etc.) to the spine portion only of the book cover so that it pools on the surface. After a predetermined amount of time, the liquid can be removed (e.g., by a liquid remover, such as a vacuum, blower, heater, etc.). Allowing the spine portion of the book cover to soak in the liquid for this predetermined amount of time ensures that the liquid saturates the spine portion. Saturating the spine portion of the book cover alters the surface structure and, thereby enhances adhesion of an adhesive material (e.g., glue or tape) during a subsequent book binding process even in the presence of fuser oil.

Abstract: An optical device (10) for providing a synthetic integral image includes a polymer foil stack (111). The polymer foil stack (111) includes at least one polymer foil (11). A first interface (17) of the polymer foil stack (111) includes optically distinguishable image data bearer structures (116). The first interface (17) has a general shape defined by a first array (115) of curved interface portions (117), on which the image data bearer structures (116) are superimposed. Preferably, the optical device (10) includes a second interface (12) of the polymer foil stack (111), which has a second array (13) of microlenses (14). The second interface (12) is provided at a distance from the first interface (17), which distance is close to a focal length of the microlenses (14). The second array (13) is in registry with the first array (115).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multilayer information page (1) for a security document, which includes an information part (3) allowing at least some information to be entered into the information page, a flexible and bending resistant connecting part (2) for connecting the information page to the security document, and a surface film (7) which at least partly covers the information part (3) and the connecting part (2) and which is fastened to the information page (1) by lamination. In order to make a possible attempt at forgery even easier to detect, a visible pattern (8) is provided between the connecting part (2) and the surface film (7), and between the visible pattern (8) and the surface film (7) or, correspondingly, between the visible pattern (8) and the connecting part (2), a detachment layer (9) is arranged which consists of separately residing areas preventing the connecting part (2) or, correspondingly, the surface film (7) from becoming firmly attached to the visible pattern (8).

Abstract: A system to print a security document and a control method thereof. The printing system simplifies a security procedure, and minimizes or prevents the security document from being illegally copied or copied without authorization. The printing system includes an input unit which receives an authenticator to copy the security document, and an output unit which determines whether the authenticator is equal to an authentication mark on the security document, and copies the security document in different ways according to the determined result.

Abstract: Materials and methods for long term stability of records using metal nanoparticle-containing inks printed on durable substrates or media, including records generated by the disclosed methods, are described.

Abstract: Described is a security element for increasing the forgery-proof nature of a security document, in particular an identity card or pass, a passport or an identification card. The security element (1) has a first diffractive region (15) having an open code which is visible with a naked eye. The first diffractive region further has a concealed code which is not visible with the naked eye and which can be reconstructed from the arrangement of diffractive microregions disposed in the first region (1) and/or from the structure of the first diffractive region (1). Further described is a method of increasing the forgery-proof nature of a security document.

Abstract: Described is a method and system for a remote deposit system. The method comprises receiving facsimile data corresponding to facsimile of a plurality of checks, constructing digitized images of the checks as a function of the facsimile data, gathering check data from each of the digitized images, and processing the check data according to a check processing procedure to settle transactions referenced by each of the checks.

Abstract: A lottery ticket having a substrate layer with game data printed in a game area and an opaque scratch-off layer applied over game area is modified by the addition of an patterned holographic metallized layer applied over the substrate which has different patterns for a series of the tickets and which is arranged to have an appearance associated with game information printed over the metallized. The printing is carried out by optically analyzing the patterns and longitudinally registering the material printed onto the metallized with the pattern in the metallized.

Abstract: A document and a related viewer for the document are constructed as image files capable of transmission to a printing site. The document file contains information for printing a document having hidden security indicia, and the viewer file contains information for printing a document viewer having a decrypting portion for revealing the hidden security indicia in the document.

Abstract: Various fibrous articles incorporating a water non-dispersible short-cut polymer microfiber are provided. The water non-dispersible short-cut polymer microfibers can be incorporated into a number of different fibrous articles including personal care products, medical care products, automotive products, household products, personal recreational products, specialty papers, paper products, and building and landscaping materials. In addition, the water non-dispersible short-cut polymer microfibers can be incorporated into nonwoven webs, thermobonded webs, hydroentangled webs, multilayer nonwovens, laminates, composites, wet-laid webs, dry-laid webs, laminates, composites, wet laps, woven articles, fabrics and geotextiles. These various end products can incorporate the water non-dispersible short-cut polymer microfibers in varying amounts based on the desired end use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a support comprising at least one electronic device (6), according to which the electronic device (6) is introduced, by means of a grip-release tool, into a first layer (2) of the support, made from at least one polymer material.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image forming apparatus including: an image input unit to input image data; a chase pattern generating unit to generate a chase pattern in which a plurality of chase pattern dots, each of which has a plurality of print dots, are arranged within a predetermined block; an overlay unit to overlay the chase pattern onto the image data; an image forming unit to form an image on a sheet based on the image data onto which the chase pattern is overlaid; and an overlaid position control unit to control an overlaid position of the chase pattern on the image data so as to shift the overlaid position by a shift amount that is equal to or more than a width of each of the chase pattern dots, when forming images on a plurality of sheets.

Abstract: This invention relates to a value document, in particular a bank note, having a value document substrate and at least two different feature substances for checking the value document. According to the invention, a first feature substance is incorporated into the volume of the substrate of the value document. A second feature substance is formed by a luminescent substance which is applied to the value document substrate in the form of a coding.

Abstract: The invention concerns a security element (1) and a value-bearing document safeguarded by such a security element. The security element (1) includes a strip-form multi-layer body (10) with a carrier film (11) and at least one decorative layer (12), as well as a first and a second adhesive layer (14, 15). The first adhesive layer (14) is provided on a first surface of the multi-layer body (10). The second adhesive layer (15) is provided on an opposite second surface of the multi-layer body. The security element has two or more first regions (21) in which the first adhesive layer (14) respectively covers the first surface of the multi-layer body and two or more second regions (22) in which the second but not the first surface of the multi-layer body is respectively covered by the second and the first adhesive layer respectively and in which a surface structure is respectively formed in the first surface. First and second regions (21, 22) are in this case arranged in mutually juxtaposed adjacent relationship.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a data carrier, especially a value document, such as a banknote, an identification card or the like, having a security element (20) that exhibits a print image (22) and a laser marking (24) at least partially overlapping the print image (22). According to the present invention, the security element (20) further exhibits, at least partially overlapping the print image (22), a laser modification area (26) that is in register with the laser marking (24) and in whose overlap area (28) with the print image (22) the visual appearance of the print image (22) is modified by the action of a laser beam.