Abstract: The present invention provides a security document and method of production thereof. The security document (10) comprises: a polymer substrate (12) having first (14) and second (22) surfaces; a security feature (16) formed in a region of at least one of said first and second surfaces of said polymer substrate; an opacifying layer (18, 24) formed on at least a portion of at least one of said first and second surfaces of said polymer substrate; a printed design formed on at least a portion of said opacifying layer; and wherein said security feature is formed at least prior to said printed design being formed.

Abstract: A security document has a first region and an adjacent second region, the regions defining a security device. Opposite sides of the first region are provided with first and second, complementary indicia registered with respect to one another, the first region being sufficiently transparent that both the first and second indicia are viewable from either side of the document under reflected light. Third indicia are provided on the second region on the same side of the document, registered with, and complementary to, the first indicia, and fourth indicia are provided on the second region on the same side of the document, registered with, and complementary to, the second indicia, the third and fourth indicia also being complementary to and registered with respect to one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in security substrates and in particular to fibrous security substrates, such as paper, incorporating a watermark. The security substrate comprises a fibrous base layer, having a normal base fiber density, said base layer incorporating a watermark consisting of a plurality of alphanumeric characters. Each character comprises dark and/or light regions, the dark regions being formed by more densely deposited fibers than the normal base fiber density and the light regions being formed by less densely deposited fibers than the normal base fiber density. The density of the fibers in any region is substantially uniform such that there is no gradual change of tone between the light and dark regions. Each dark and light region adjoins at least one light and dark region respectively and an area of normal fiber density.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for automatically checking sheet-shaped documents of value. According to the present invention a simply constructed measuring apparatus can be obtained, by the measuring apparatus evaluating measuring values e.g. at least two measuring frequencies and the position of one or a plurality of discrete measuring tracks being determined in such a way that at least the presence of two different not visible spectral properties of a predetermined type of authentic documents of value can be checked.

Abstract: An authentication apparatus outputs an application form to be used in applying for access authorization, which is printed with an identification image showing information including identification information of terminal equipment. The authentication apparatus scans the application form which is filled out by a user as required, recognizes the abovementioned information from the image data obtained by scanning, and authorizes the terminal equipment that corresponds to the abovementioned recognized information to have access to a specified network.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an image information acquisition device, an embedment information acquisition device, an embedment mode information acquisition device, an embeddability determination device, and an embeddability information output device. The image information acquisition device acquires image information on a target image into which supplemental information is to be embedded. The embedment information acquisition device acquires embedment information on the supplemental information. The embedment mode information acquisition device acquires embedment mode information on an embedment mode in which the supplemental information is embedded in the image information. The embeddability determination device determines embeddability of the supplemental information into the image information based on the embedment mode information, the embedment information, and the image information.

Abstract: In a printing carrier for transferring confidential information with a transparent film layer onto the front side of which the confidential information can be printed and wherein a concealing means, which considerably complicates the capability to identify the confidential information on the film layer is present behind the film layer, provision is made according to the invention for the film layer to carry on the front side at least one structure imprint, which does not add to the confidential information and which improves the effect of the concealing means due to its irregular area coverage.

Abstract: An authenticatable object comprises a surface having a latent hidden image embossed therein. The latent image is an encoded version of an authentication image and comprises a plurality of elements applied to the surface with a predetermined frequency. The latent hidden image is configured for optical decoding by a decoder having a decoder frequency corresponding to the predetermined frequency.

Abstract: A financial transaction card associated with an account of a cardholder is provided. The financial transaction card includes a front side, a back side, a signature block, and a validation code. The signature block includes a substrate having a bottom face and a top face wherein the bottom face is coupled to at least one of the sides of the card. The top face is substantially planar and includes a first data field and a second data field. The first data field and the second data field are non-overlapping. The validation code is associated with the account and is displayed within the second data field.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security and/or valuable document containing a scratch-resistant coating obtained from a lacquer composition comprising I) from 12 to 70 parts by wt. of a C2-C12-diol diacrylate or C2-C12-diol dimethacrylate, II) from 12 to 40 parts by wt. of an alkoxylated mono-, di-, tri-, tetra-, penta- or hexaacrylate or alkoxylated mono-, di-, tri-, tetra-, penta- or hexamethacrylate, III) from 0 to 40 parts by wt. of a monomer selected from the group consisting of pentaerythritol triacrylate, pentaerythritol tetraacrylate, dipentaerythritol tetraacrylate, dipentaerythritol pentaacrylate, dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate, pentaerythritol trimethacrylate, pentaerythritol tetramethacrylate, dipentaerythritol tetramethacrylate, dipentaerythritol pentamethacrylate, dipentaerythritol hexamethacrylate, reaction products thereof with aliphatic or aromatic diisocyanates, and mixtures thereof, IV) from 5 to 60 parts by wt.

Abstract: A security device is disclosed having a region of piezochromic material and an integrated relief structure. The security device is arranged such that when a stress is generated in the piezochromic material and relief structure, an optical effect is generated in the piezochromic material.

Abstract: The application discloses identification and security documents and methods and systems for authenticating such identification and security documents. In one implementation, a document includes a first surface; and a second surface. The first surface comprises a first set of print structures and a second set of print structures. The first set of print structures and the second set of print structures cooperate to obscure the location on the first surface of the second set of print structures. The second set of print structures is arranged on the first surface so as to provide a reflection pattern. In one example, the reflection pattern includes a diffraction grating. The second set of print structures is preferably provided on the first surface with metallic ink. Of course, other claims and combinations are provided too.

Abstract: A coupon for providing an incentive for a user to participate in physical activity. The coupon detects the physical activity of a user and indicates to the user when the threshold of physical activity has been reached. Once the coupon has indicated that the threshold has been reached, the user may redeem the coupon for a reward.

Abstract: A dispersion of silver particles and a method of making the dispersion and ink are described. The dispersion or ink may be an aqueous dispersion or ink and may produce silver images having improved properties such as an improvement in gloss.

Abstract: A printed article with metallic appearance that includes a printable media on which a printed feature is formed with an ink composition. Said ink composition contains a dispersion of metal or metal oxide particles having an average particle size in the range of about 3 to about 180 nm. The media is a textured printable media containing a supporting substrate and an ink-absorbing layer with pore diameters that are smaller than the size of the metal or metal oxide particles. Said ink composition forms, onto the textured printable media, a printed feature that exhibits a metallic appearance.

Abstract: The invention discloses a reversibly piezochromic security element for the forgery-protection of value documents, the security element being characterized in that it comprises a collection of optically contrasting pigment particles in a film or a coating layer of an elastic polymer. In a particular embodiment, the particles are optically variable pigment flakes, oriented in a position which is substantially different from an alignment in the plane of the film or coating layer.

Abstract: The invention discloses an ink for the engraved steel die printing process, having a viscosity at 40° C. between 3 Pa.s to 15 Pa.s, preferably 5 to 10 Pa.s, and comprising a polymeric organic binder and magnetic pigment particle, characterized in that said magnetic pigment particles comprises a magnetic core material which is surrounded by at least one layer of another material. The surrounding layers, single or in combination, confer the pigment particle particular optical properties in the visible and/or in the near IR, chosen from high specular or diffuse reflectance, spectrally selective absorption or reflection, and angle-dependent absorption or reflection, and allow for the formulation of inks having a large gamut of color and other optical functionalities.

Abstract: A tamper evident composite film is disclosed. The composite film contains a first film layer made from polyester adjacent to a second film layer made from a polyolefin, such as a low density polyethylene. If desired, the composite film can further include a third film layer positioned on the opposite side of the second film layer. The composite film is produced through a coextrusion process. In one embodiment, the composite film can be biaxially stretched prior to use. The composite film is constructed so that the first film layer will delaminate from the second film layer when the composite film is tampered with or otherwise mishandled.

Abstract: The invention concerns a stamping film for the production of tamper-proof license plates and a license plate produced using a stamping film. The stamping film includes a carrier film and a transfer layer which is detachable from the carrier film and which can be fixed on a substrate of the license plate. Starting from the carrier film, the transfer layer includes a transparent release layer, an opaque decoration layer, a transparent protection layer, an optically variable layer, a reflection layer, a colored layer and an adhesive layer. The decoration layer has mutually spaced areal interruptions where the transparent protection layer adjoins the release layer. The adhesive layer is provided for fixing the transfer layer to the substrate of the license plate.

Abstract: A method of security printing can comprise the steps of printing a transparent ink onto a portion of a coated substrate resulting in printed region and an unprinted region, where the transparent ink is devoid of dyes, pigments, ceramics, metallics, and fluorescents; illuminating both the printed region and the unprinted region of the substrate, where the printed region scatters more light than the unprinted region creating a contrast; and detecting the contrast with a sensor that is sensitive to detecting light scattering differences between the printed region and the unprinted region.

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 and does not overlie the base panel. In other embodiments, the leaflet has a width dimension that is greater than a width of the base panel.

Abstract: A method in a diffractive color system that specifies visual color effects and/or target colors that are formed by mixing together two or more diffractively produced primary colors. The primary colors and the characteristics of the elementary gratings used in producing them are selected in such a manner that they produce the desired exact primary colors particularly in the application-specific lighting and by taking into account, when required, the color of the substrate material and/or other background separately. A diffractive color system implements the method. A diffractive component produces the mixed target color. A product contains one or more diffractive color effects.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for creating a visual animation on a medium, including the following steps consisting in: disposing at least two excitable agents on the medium in at least two adjacent respective zones, each of said agents generating a visual effect in response to the same stimulus and said visual effects having different appearances and/or afterglows. The excitable agents are selected such that the visual effects appear and/or disappear sufficiently close to one another over time so as to give the observer the impression of movement on the medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a data carrier with an optically variable structure having an embossed structure and a coating contrasting with the surface of the data carrier. The embossed structure and the coating are so combined that at least parts of the coating are completely visible upon perpendicular viewing but concealed upon oblique viewing so that a tilt effect arises upon alternate perpendicular and oblique viewing. The coating is executed uniformly and the embossed structure is divided into partial areas where different partial embossed structures are provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns a security and/or value document, in particular a banknote. The security and/or value document has a support (1) of a paper material and an in particular strip-form or thread-form film element (2) which contains one or more optical security features. The support (1) has one or more window-shaped openings (35) which are closed by means of the film element (2) which projects beyond the openings on all sides. Applied to the side of the support (1) of a paper material, which is in opposite relationship to the film element (2), is a sealing layer (4) which covers the surfaces of the film element (2) at least in the region of the openings.

Abstract: An adhesive sheet applicable to a delivery slip and the like includes a first sheet having a first sheet base of which both surfaces are formed as printable surfaces; and a second sheet having a second sheet base of which one surface is formed as a printable surface, while the other surface is sequentially laminated with a pseudo-adhesive layer, and an adhesive layer, and the adhesive layer is formed as a printable surface of mirror letters. In the first sheet, a predetermined area of the printable surface is laminated with a release agent layer, and the release agent layer is overlapped with the adhesive layer so as to be opposing thereto. And then, by sticking the adhesive layer of the second sheet exposed outside the exterior edge of the first sheet to the adherend, the first sheet can be held with print letters concealed.

Abstract: A method of forming a security device is disclosed wherein a magnetically aligned pigment coating coated on a first substrate upon a release layer is hot stamped onto another substrate or object. Multiple patches with aligned magnetic flakes can be oriented differently in the form of a patch work or mosaic. For example, a region of stamped aligned flakes having the flakes oriented in a North-South orientation can be stamped onto one region of an object or substrate and another region of stamped same flakes removed from a same substrate can be stamped onto a same object oriented in an E-W orientation. By first aligning and curing flakes onto a releasable substrate, these flakes can be stamped in various shapes and sizes of patches to be adhesively fixed to another substrate or object.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security element (1) that comprises an at least partially transparent substrate, on the front and back of which are formed first (3) and second (4) markings in the form of metallisations and/or printings, respectively, the first markings (3) being mostly stacked on the second markings (4), the first and second markings (3, 4) defining first and second patterns, respectively, which have separate respective surfaces, wherein the visibility level of the second markings (4) varies together with the observation angle of the front of the security element (1), and the thickness of the substrate is 5 to 100 ?m.

Abstract: A microstructure area (201) providing a first diffractive visual effect is produced on the surface layer (240) of a paper or cardboard substrate (230) of a product (200). In addition, a bulge (206) or a recess (207) having a second microstructure area (202) is produced on the surface layer (240), wherein a doubly curved portion (203) is located between the first (201) and the second (202) microstructure areas. Said combination of the bulge (206)/recess (207), microstructure areas (201, 202) and doubly curved portion (203) makes counterfeiting of the product (200) difficult and provides a special visual effect.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security element with an optically variable structure, which has an embossed structure and a coating, wherein the embossed structure and the coating are combined such that at least parts of the coating are completely visible upon perpendicular viewing, but are concealed upon oblique viewing. This embossed structure has nonlinear embossed elements, which are combined with the coating such that when changing the viewing direction different pieces of information become visible.

Abstract: Techniques are described for authenticating security documents having security images that incorporate multiple security features. The techniques may produce robust template matching results in situations of lighting unevenness, even with stronger occluding objects. The techniques may be particularly useful in validating a security document having a security image composed of one or more “virtual” retroreflective images formed over a background of a repeating retroreflective image. The virtual retroreflective images within the security image provide strong signals that may dominate analysis and validation of the background retroreflective image, thereby resulting incorrect authentication. The techniques provide a modified normalized cross-correlation analysis that masks out the strong signals contributed by the additional security features, such as the retroreflective virtual images, while still allowing for fast and efficient template matching to be performed with respect to the background image.

Abstract: A method for labeling a UV-fluorescing substrate includes positioning a UV-fluorescing substrate adjacent to an inkjet material dispenser, and selectively jetting an edible, invisible, non-UV fluorescing ink onto the UV-fluorescing substrate with the inkjet material dispenser.

Abstract: Pasty ink for the engraved steel die printing process, having a viscosity value above 3 Pa·s, preferably above 5 Pa·s at 40° C., and comprising an infrared absorbing material, wherein said infrared absorbing material is a transition element compound whose IR-absorption is a consequence of electronic transitions within the d-shell of transition element atoms or ions.

Abstract: The invention relates to reflective features formed from multiple inks. In one embodiment, the reflective feature includes a substrate having a first region and a second region, the first and second regions having different surface characteristics; a first reflective element disposed on the first region; and a second reflective element disposed on the second region, wherein the first reflective element is more adherent than the second reflective element to the first region. In another embodiment, the reflective feature includes multiple layers formed from different inks exhibiting enhanced reflectivity and/or durability. The invention is also to processes for forming these features, preferably through a direct write printing process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security foil consisting of two or more carrier substrates which have at least one optically active structure and at least two metal layers, wherein the security foil is composed as follows: a) a first carrier substrate, b) a first radiation-curable paint layer into which an optically active structure is incorporated, c) a first metal layer, d) a protective paint layer, e) an adhesive layer, f) a second carrier substrate, g) a second radiation-curable paint layer, h) a second metal layer, i) optionally a protective paint layer, and k) optionally an adhesive coating, and wherein the adhesion between the layers g) and h) or f) and g) is significantly lower than the adhesion between the remaining layers.

Abstract: A packaging system uses marked, specially designed packaging to enable confidential purchasing of consumer goods. Products having a first configuration normally labeled for sale are convertible into a second configuration which conceals the identity of the goods, other than perhaps having a confidentiality brand. The confidentiality package is bar-coded for price and purchase scanning but does not identify the type of good(s) being purchased either at the cash register or on the customer's receipt. The confidentially packaged items, which could be marketed under a YOURS CONFIDENTIALLY brand name, for instance, are primarily sold at a retail location immediately next to a normally marked, identical (except for the outer packaging shell) item, and have a brief description of what the item is directly under it (Tampons for example) located in the shelf strip next to the re-order shelf tag.

Abstract: An intermediate form is designed for folding to a double postcard mailer that has dimensions and sealing features that meet U.S. Postal Service standards for postcard sealing and postal rates. The intermediate form includes a single ply of stock having a first face and a second face, a first and a second end edge, and a first and a second side edge. The first and the second side edges are disposed in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the first and the second end edges. The single ply includes a fold line extending at a substantially transverse orientation to and between the first and the second side edges. The fold line is disposed to define a first panel and a second panel in the single ply. The first panel and/or the second panel has/have postcard dimensions.

Abstract: A moiré pattern display sheet defined by a surface is described. A first layer has a pattern printed thereon. The pattern includes a series of visual elements in a first row that have been distorted at least in a first direction. The series of visual elements is generated from an electronically saved file of vector based graphics. A light steering optical layer overlaying the first layer. The light steering optical layer comprising a plurality of optical features which change the direction of the light and thereby provide a depth effect of the series of visual elements to a viewer looking through the light steering optical layer.

Abstract: A primary test printing process of a plurality of copy-forgery-inhibited pattern images generated by changing one or both of print densities of the latent-image and background-image parts in a first pattern on the basis of a predetermined parameter is performed. The user selects one copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image which has the latent-image and background-image parts with approximate print densities from the plurality of copy-forgery-inhibited pattern images generated by the primary test printing process. A secondary test printing process of a plurality of copy-forgery-inhibited pattern images generated by changing one or both of print densities of the latent-image and background-image parts in a second pattern on the basis of the parameter used to determine the print densities of the latent-image and background-image parts of the selected copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is performed.

Abstract: The invention relates to reflective and non-reflective features formed from multiple inks. In one embodiment, the printed feature comprises a substrate having a first region and a second region, the first and second regions having different surface characteristics; a first printed element disposed on the first region; and a second printed element disposed on the second region, wherein the first printed element is more adherent than the second printed element to the first region. In another embodiment, the printed feature comprises multiple layers formed from different inks exhibiting enhanced durability. The invention is also to processes for forming these features, preferably through a direct write printing process.

Abstract: A method for applying at least one image to a plastics substrate of a security document, comprising the following steps: selection of an image section from electronically stored image data of an image by means of a selection device; application of a connecting layer to the plastics substrate, the surface area and surface shape of the connecting layer corresponding to the surface area and surface shape of the selected image section, by means of an application device; and printing the applied connecting layer with a printed image that reproduces the image section, in such a manner that the connecting layer and the printed image are congruent, by means of a printing device.

Abstract: An image display medium displays an image including a first region having a first composite image. The first composite image includes a first display image and a first latent image. The first display image includes at least one of a first halftone dot image and a first line image having a first linearity. The first halftone dot image and the first line image have such densities as are not reproduced by copying. The first latent image includes at least one of a second halftone dot image and a second line image having a second linearity. The second halftone dot image and the second line image have such densities as are not reproduced by copying. The first and second linearities produce different moiré patterns when the first display and the first latent images are enlarged by a first common optical system.

Abstract: When the deposit of a negotiable instrument, such as a check, is done electronically by using a digital image of the negotiable instrument rather than the negotiable instrument itself, during the process, at least two negotiable instruments may exist: the physical negotiable instrument and the digital image of the negotiable instrument. To change the physical negotiable instrument to a non-negotiable instrument, a bank or other financial institution may send a transmission to modify the appearance of the negotiable instrument, thus effectively “voiding” the physical negotiable instrument. The negotiable instrument may have various inks or mechanisms that facilitate the modification of the appearance through the application of a stimulus, such as heat or light. The financial institution may cause the application of the stimulus to modify the appearance of the negotiable instrument.

Abstract: The invention relates to identification documents, and in particular to providing optically variable personalized data to identification documents. In one implementation, we provide an identification document comprising a document layer and a first indicium. The document layer comprises a material capable of being printed by a thermally transferable optically variable ink. The first indicium is printed on the document layer and comprises personalized data and printed to the document layer by a thermally transferred optically variable ink. The first indicium may be printed to the document layer by disposing a thermally transferable optically variable ink in a mass transfer panel of a printer ribbon adapted for use in a dye diffusion thermal transfer printer, and printing the first indicium as part of a mass transfer printing process.

Abstract: A system and method for watermarking a film includes a light source array including one or more light sources having light directed toward a film to be watermarked. A control mechanism is configured to synchronize a position of the film with the light sources such that the light sources are activated to record a watermark on the film to identify an aspect of the film, wherein the watermark includes a plurality of spots aligned transversely to a direction of film motion during printing of the film.

Abstract: Printed instructions can be included with the tray in a medical procedure kit.—The printed instructions can include instructional material, such as pictorial, step-by-step instructions intended for a health care services provider for using the medical procedure kit. The printed instructions can also include a separate patient aid, suitable for inclusion within the medical procedure kit, which includes patient education information relating to a particular medical procedure. To make recognition easier, the patient aid can be configured with a greeting card appearance, activity sheet appearance, or other graphical indicia that indicates that the patient aid is intended for the patient and should be delivered to the patient.

Abstract: A security image and method of forming said image is disclosed wherein a substrate having an image or indicia thereon is coated with a dilute solution of pigment flakes in an ink or paint. The flakes are subsequently aligned in a magnetic field and are fixed after the field is applied. Most or all of the flakes in a region are aligned so as to be partially upstanding wherein their faces are essentially parallel. Coating the image with flakes yields a latent image which can be clearly seen at a small range of predetermined angles.

Abstract: A privacy card cover includes a front part and back part to hide information on a card. The privacy card cover is attachable and detachable from the card and is placed on the card by a user. The privacy card cover includes privacy film that prevents viewing of the information on the card except at an angle substantially perpendicular to the surface of the card. Different configurations of the privacy card cover allow any type of card to be covered. If the card includes a magnetic strip or other machine-readable data, then that part of the card is left uncovered and accessible.

Abstract: Collectable fingerprinted items, and methods of making such fingerprinted items, including original and simulated fingerprints for application to an item to create a collectable item. The processes may be used to create a variety of collectable items, such as instrument picks, pendants, key fobs, charms, and other collectables. The process includes taking an original fingerprint impression, using the original impression to create a simulated fingerprint impression. The methods optionally include altering at least one identifying characteristic in a manner that prevents identity theft of other misuse of the fingerprint impression. The process optionally includes applying the simulated fingerprint impression to an item, such as by making a mold incorporating the simulated fingerprint, such as by using CAD/CAM technology and molding an item using the created mold.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of imagery or items comprising imagery using semiconductor processing or fabrication techniques and methods of using such techniques to make imagery. For example, according to one embodiment, a method of making imagery having nano-scale or micro-scale portions can include providing a silicon wafer, coating the silicon wafer with a layer of oxide, depositing a layer of photoresist onto the oxide layer, and removing a patterned portion of the photoresist to expose a patterned portion of the oxide layer. The method can also include removing at least some of the patterned portion of the oxide such that the patterned portion of the oxide layer has a predetermined thickness resulting in a predetermined viewable color. The patterned portion of the oxide layer can define at least one of the nano-scale or micro-scale portions.