Abstract: Provided herein are teachings directed to the creation of moiré-based auto-stereoscopic watermarks in rendered images. By choosing different halftone structures, which differ by having different spatial frequencies for each of two delineated partitions in an image, it becomes possible to embed arbitrary binary patterns into printed documents as digital watermarks. The invisible watermarks become moiré auto-stereoscopic images when the prints are viewed through an overlaid transparency “decoder” suitably prepared by virtue of being rendered with a uniform halftone structure having the correct special frequency in relationship with the partition frequencies employed in the printed document.

Abstract: The printed product comprises a carrier of a main image applied thereon transmitted by an ordered screen having a specified angle and lineature and at least one additional latent image which is hidden from visualization and transmitted by a deformed-structure screen. Said latent image can be visualized when it is applied to the printed product of a test pattern embodied in the form of a transparent substrate which is provided with a linear screen applied thereto and which angle and lineature are identical to specified angle and lineature. Depending on the type of the screen deformation the latent image is displayable with preserved tints or in the form of contour lines. The method for producing of the printed product consists in introducing distortions in the ordered screen by shifting the centers of the screen grid structure or by inserting modified elements into the ordered screen said elements being embodied in the form of transition between the types of said ordered screen elements.

Abstract: A security element 2, 4 for embedding in or application to a security document in such a way that it is visually recognizable from both sides of the security document 1, is structured in a multilayer fashion and includes two interference elements I1, I2 with color shift effect, a metallic reflection layer R located in between as well as, optionally, diffraction structures 8. Depending on the disposition of the layers I1, R, I2 and the optionally present diffraction structures 8 on a transparent substrate S the color shift effect and/or the diffractive effects are perceptible from one or from both sides of the security element 2, 4. The security element is particularly suitable as a two-sided window thread 4 and as a label or transfer element 2 above a hole 3 in the security document 1.

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: The invention relates to a data carrier having a security element that is at lest visually testable and has an embossing in at least a partial area, the embossing being a halftone blind embossing executed by inkless line intaglio printing, and to a method for producing the data carrier and a printing plate for blind-embossing a security element.

Abstract: A distributed manufacturing and distribution process for lottery tickets is disclosed. The manufacturing/vending system comprises a ticket manufacturing server and one or more vending devices located at remote sites. Each vending device is operatively coupled for communication with the server, normally via a network connection. Each vending devices is further equipped with blank media and printing means, so that a customer is able to purchase on-demand tickets from a vending device in communication with the server. Additionally, the vending devices may be configured as electronic aid to display the results of the purchased lottery tickets in entertaining ways to the customer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a forgery-preventing film having a structure in which a thermoplastic resin film is attached to both faces of a light-shielding layer processed for forgery prevention. It is impossible to recognize the letter information to be protected in the forgery-preventing film without peeling the information-concealing layer therefrom.

Abstract: A method for authenticating a target item with a security code is provided. The method includes the steps of determining a first content of security information to be coded, determining a second content of security information to be coded, printing a plurality of color tiles on a target item where the plurality of color tiles define the first content of security information, and printing one or more micro-markings on one or more of the color tiles located on the target item. The one or more micro-markings define the second content of security information.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for applying a metal element to a security document using a stamp element, the metal element being configured from a metal layer of foil and being applied to the security document, preferably in a hot embossing process. To increase the protection against forgery, during the application of the metal element (2), the latter (2) is embossed (21) by means of a stamping surface (31) of the stamp element (3), which is configured as a line gravure printing plate (32).

Abstract: The invention concerns a security element for a security document comprising a structure layer and diffractive first and second relief structures, wherein the relief structures viewed parallel to the plane of the structure layer are arranged in different planes of the security element, wherein the first relief structure adjoins a partial first reflection layer and the second relief structure adjoins a partial second reflection layer, and wherein—if the first reflection layer is towards a viewer—a second item of information generated by the second relief structure is at least partially concealed and—if the second reflection layer is towards the viewer—a first item of information generated by the first relief structure is at least partially concealed, and processes for the production of such security elements and security documents formed therewith.

Abstract: A print monitoring system comprising a printer that generates a printed object that comprises a) a printed area located on a substrate, the printed area having a predetermined width and defining a two-dimensional matrix having a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns; b) print indicia printed on the substrate within the two-dimensional matrix of said printed area such that at least one row of the plurality of rows contains print indicia that are separated by a maximum width; and c) at least one print validation symbol printed on the substrate in a predetermined first validation print area. The system can also comprise an image capture device configured to read at least the at least one validation symbol and a controller in communication with the image capture device that compares the at least one validation symbol to a predetermined at least one validation symbol and makes quality control decisions based on the comparison.

Abstract: The invention concerns an object of value (15), for example a credit card, banknote or identity card. The object of value (15) has a carrier layer (1), at least one first layer (21) containing a moiré pattern and at least one second layer (31, 33) containing a moiré analyzer for the moiré pattern of the first layer (21). That second layer is arranged above or beneath the first layer in a fixed position relative to the first layer in such a way that the moiré pattern of the first layer (21) and the moiré analyzer of the second layer (31, 33) are permanently optically superimposed at least in region-wise fashion, whereby a permanent moiré image is generated.

Abstract: A self-authenticating article comprising a substrate having an image receiving surface and a lenticular lens is provided. The lenticular lens has a predetermined lens frequency and is configured for optically decoding encoded indicia viewed therethrough. The lens is attached to the substrate so that the lens can be selectively positioned to overlie the image receiving surface to decode encoded indicia printed thereon. The self-authenticating article further comprises an encoded image on the image receiving surface, the encoded image comprising at least one of the set consisting of printed indicia and indicia formed as variations in surface geometry of the image receiving surface. The surface geometry variations may comprise raised and non-raised areas surface areas that combine to define at least a portion of the indicia.

Abstract: There is proposed a security document comprising a security element, wherein the security element is of such a configuration that it can be determined by means of the sense of human touch. For that purpose either the surface nature of various surface regions can be selected differently so that the configuration and size of the different surface regions can be determined by the human sense of touch. Another possibility is for the substrate of the security document to be provided with suitably shaped openings which can be identified by means of the human sense of touch. A combination of different tactile security elements of that kind is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of printed security documents and, more particularly, to security documents and methods of making security documents bearing enhanced security features. The security documents may include identification documents or any other known documents of value. The security document includes a transparent window area with an ultraviolet blocking agent incorporated therein. Invisible ultraviolet fluorescent ink patterns are printed on respective opposite sides of the ultraviolet blocking agent within the region of the transparent window area. When either the face side or back side of the security document is illuminated with ultraviolet light, only the pattern printed proximate that side within the area of the transparent window becomes visible. When both face and back sides are simultaneously illuminated with ultraviolet light, the patterns printed on both sides of the ultraviolet blocking agent within the area of the transparent window become visible at the same time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to personalize and enhance photo documents. It utilizes radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, computers, PDAs, and cell phones to link, record, and retrieve positional, personal, and historical data. The personalization and association of a photo document to a unique event by the consumer will lead to an enhanced value of the product. Photo documents containing RFID tags are associated with personal images, movies, text, and audio files. Information that is stored on cell phones, PDAs, computers, and external databases is transferred and shared using cellular networks, email, text, and multimedia messaging. This invention describes a system to record, retrieve, and share personal experiences and event information in association with commercial products such as real estate properties.

Abstract: A tamper-indicator device (10) for engagement with an item, such device comprising at least two substantially parallel members (12,14) which produce visible mark when brought into contact with one another under pressure, the device including means (16) for causing relative movement of the parallel members such that at least a portion of the visible mark is erased.

Abstract: A transparent plastic container which is transparent, allows good design and can be used for an anticounterfeit system that determines authenticity by visual check with the use of polarization property. A transparent plastic sheet of a polystyrene-based resin having a total light transmission of 85% or higher and a haze of 7% or less is subjected to vacuum, pneumatic or vacuum/pneumatic forming at a sheet temperature ranging from a glass transition temperature plus 50 degrees C. to a glass transition temperature plus 130 degrees C., thereby obtaining a transparent plastic container having a planar portion with a strain amount of 150 nm or less.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable data carrier (1) having a carrier (2) which has a first graphical representation (3) and a second graphical representation (4). The second graphical representation (4) is better protected against tampering than the first graphical representation (3). In addition, the second graphical representation (4) is configured as a reference for detecting tampering with the first graphical representation (3). The invention is characterized by the fact that only a partial area (5) of the first graphical representation (3) laterally overlaps with the second graphical representation (4) and there is no lateral overlap between the first graphical representation (3) and the second graphical representation (4) outside the partial area (5).

Abstract: A flat security member having a relatively small format, such as a thin board, including at least one through-hole and a method for producing a flat security member. A sheet material having a flat security member and a security document or an item to be authenticated having the sheet material.

Abstract: A financial transaction card includes a substantially biodegradable substrate, a plurality of seeds, and an account identifier. The plurality of seeds is coupled with the substantially biodegradable substrate such that the plurality of seeds is embedded within and substantially surrounded by the substantially biodegradable substrate. When the financial transaction card is inserted into a planting composition, the substantially biodegradable substrate decomposes leaving the plurality of seeds planted in the planting composition. The account identifier is securely connected to the substrate and links the substantially biodegradable substrate to a financial account. The account identifier is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal. Stored-value card assemblies, methods of encouraging purchase and facilitating use of a stored-value card, and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a security element for security papers, value documents and the like, having a micro-optical moiré magnification arrangement having a motif image (30) that consists of a planar periodic or at least locally periodic arrangement of a plurality of micromotif elements (36, 38), and a planar periodic or at least locally periodic arrangement of a plurality of microfocusing elements for the moiré-magnified viewing of the micromotif elements (36, 38) of the motif image, the motif image (30) including two or more sub-regions (32, 34) having micromotif elements (36, 38) that differ from each other in their contrast, and wherein the shape of the sub-regions (32, 34) forms, due to the contrast differences in the micromotif elements (36, 38), a perceptible macroscopic piece of image information in the form of characters, patterns or codes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of generating a laser marking in a security document by means of at least one laser beam, the security document having at least one laser-markable layer and also at least one reflecting layer which overlaps at least partly with the at least one laser-markable layer and has opaque regions. The at least one reflecting layer has at least one transparent region and, at least visually, is not significantly altered by the laser treatment of the laser-markable layer.

Abstract: A paper ballot voting system is described that allows voters to verify that their ballots are correctly counted and provide substantiating evidence if they are not. The systems work whether or not automation is available in the polling place. In other aspects special pens and printing provide protection of voter privacy and against marks being added after ballots are cast. Further aspects of the approach include robust ballot scanning and improved transparency of the voter check-in process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an article formed from at least one ply of fibrous material comprising at least one region of zero thickness, characterized in that said region is covered on at least one of its faces with an at least partly transparent or translucent structure placed so as to reveal a transparent or translucent window in the paper.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security strip and security paper for obtaining security documents such as legal tender notes, checks or identification documents, comprising a cellulose support web that is completely embedded in a pulp substrate. As both the substrate and the support web are formed by plant fibers, a series of physical and chemical bonds are established between the fibers of both elements, the support web thus being perfectly integrated in the pulp. The cellulose support web will sometimes have a series of security elements, such as pigments, synthetic elements and/or security fibers of the type normally used in this type of application.

Abstract: A data carrier with an optically variable structure having an embossed structure with raised areas and a first coating contrasting with the surface of the data carrier. The embossed structure and the first 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 first coating is provided only in certain areas. Additionally, the optically variable structure has at least in partial areas a second coating likewise contrasting with the data carrier surface and disposed in overlap with the first coating at least in partial areas.

Abstract: An article confirmation method has reading irreproducible fine characteristics from a genuine article, reading irreproducible fine characteristics from an article to be confirmed, comparing the irreproducible fine characteristics between the genuine article and the article to be confirmed, and determining authenticity of the article to be confirmed based on a comparison result.

Abstract: A copy-resistant document is provided. The document comprises a substrate, a light reflective layer disposed over the substrate, a light diffusive layer disposed over the reflective layer, and bearer information overprinted on the reflective and diffusive layers. The diffusive layer has a diffusive background pattern that segments the reflective layer into a reflective background pattern comprising a plurality of reflective elements that interfere with the bearer information on a copy of the document. As a result, the diffusive background pattern allows the bearer information to become more readable on the document original by providing contrast to the bearer information and reducing the glare from light reflected from the reflective layer, while the reflective background pattern renders the bearer information unreadable on the document copy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a printed data carrier having a printed surface and at least one printed partial surface enclosed thereby on all sides, the surface and the partial surface being printed by intaglio printing and contrasting visually due to an ink layer of varying thickness. The invention likewise relates to the method for producing the data carrier, the printing plate used therefor, and the method for producing the printing plate.

Abstract: A scratch-off document may include a substrate. The substrate may include a front side and a backside with an information layer on the front side. An information layer may include an indicia component and a noise component. The noise component together with the indicia component may include a plurality of pile heights, and the indicia component may be visible when combined with the noise component. A scratch-off layer is included over the information layer so that the indicia component is not recognizable through the scratch-off layer.

Abstract: An image is disclosed comprised of flakes in a carrier, such as an ink vehicle or a paint that can be aligned in a magnetic field. The flakes are aligned so as to produce one or more kinematic features such as a rolling bar that appears to move as the image is tilted. These images can provide security features on high-value documents, such as bank notes.

Abstract: A question paper forming apparatus, includes: an image reading unit that reads an image of a question original in which a character string for constituting an answer of a question is designated by marking; an answer list forming unit that extracts the character string from the image data of the question original to form an electronic data of an answer list; a question sentence forming unit that deletes the character string from the image data of the question original and that sets an answer column to a portion where the character string is deleted, so as to form an electronic data of a question sentence; and a printing unit that prints out an answer document which contains the electronic data of the answer list and the electronic data of the question sentence as a question paper on separate papers respectively.

Abstract: The present invention makes available a paper product with a silicone oil-repellent, activatable adhesive coating that can be printed with a laser printer, with the adhesive coating serving to seal a single sheet to itself or neighboring sheets of paper products to one another, and with the silicone-oil repellency being obtained by means of a material selected from the group of fluoroalkyl sodium sulfate(s), fluoroalkyl polyoxyethylene polymer(s), polyvinyl alcohol(s) and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image including added digital information is generated by an on-demand output of the pattern by a printer. An image processing apparatus for generating a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image includes: a pattern storage section for storing a plurality of patterns that constitute a camouflage pattern image and that respectively represent specific bit values; an information input unit for inputting arbitrary information; and a camouflage pattern image structuring unit for receiving the information from the information input unit to represent a bit string of a binary representation of the information as an arrangement of a plurality of patterns. The image processing apparatus further includes a random number generation unit for generating a random number sequence; and a selection output unit for receiving the random number sequence from the unit and the information outputted from the information input unit to output, based on predetermined information, any one of them.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for thermally cancelling postage and a thermally cancellable picture postage stamp for use therein. A picture postage stamp is disclosed wherein the design and postage information are affixed on thermally reactive paper. Alternatively, the indicia may be comprised of thermally reactive inks or dyes. Cancelling a thermally cancellable picture postage stamp is accomplished with a heat source such as a cancellation write head. Hidden text of code can be embedded in the thermal paper and the cancellation mark can be any indicia or information that can be generated by a thermal print head. Cancelling the thermally cancellable picture postage stamp may also be accomplished manually with a pointed instrument or any semi hard edge such as a pen cap, ring or fingernail.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a security structure intended to be at least partially incorporated into or affixed to an article, particularly a security document and/or a valuable document, the structure comprising a substrate, at least one electronic device carried by the substrate, at least one non-electronic security and/or decorative element visible to the naked eye, carried by the substrate, covering only a portion of one side of the substrate and having no effect on the operation of the electronic device, and/or at least one amplifying antenna coupled with the electronic device and carried by the substrate, electronic device being at least partially visible so as to form with the security and/or decorative element a design chosen from among a geometric shape, particularly an ellipse, circle or polygon, a written symbol, particularly an alphanumeric character, and an image of a recognizable object, particularly a logo, a plant, an animal or a person.

Abstract: Tamper evident forms are provided having a transparent layer bonded to a scrambling layer. One or more coating layers may be disposed on the surface of the transparent laminar. Printed indicia on the upper surface of the form is not readable unless the transparent lamina is physically separated from the scrambling layer or if the scrambling layer is optically altered or negated. The coating layers may reveal tamper evidence if a surreptitious attempt of obtaining the printed indicia is made by physical, mechanical, electronic and/or chemical means without removing the separating the transparent lamina and the scrambling layer.

Abstract: Adobe Postscript's setoverprint and setoverprintmode operations, an imager and Object Optimized Rendering (OCR) technology can be combined to achieve a watermark result by either tagging lower image areas as text or other intents, or by changing color values. Separations from stacked objects are combinable with control over OOR tags and color values to achieve special effects are described. Mechanisms of the present embodiment would provide the option where special areas can either disappear and retain the lower object attributes or modify lower object runs with special effect algorithms.

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

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a secret scratch sticker capable of secretly delivering a message to only a person who receives the message and a method of manufacturing the same. The secret scratch sticker comprises a transparent film sheet 110 having an adhesion portion formed on one surface thereof; a first scratching part 120 laminated on the other surface of the film sheet 110 so as to be stripped off with a fingernail or a coin; and a second scratching part 130 laminated on the first scratching part 120 so as to be stripped off together with the first scratching part 120, the second scratching part having colors. According to the present invention, a user can deliver a message to only a desired person, and thus the message can be hidden from other people.

Abstract: A method of placing a watermark in a video stream estimates motion between frames in the video stream, and computes a representative motion for a frame. Before embedding the watermark in that frame, the method spatially adjusts a digital watermark by the representative motion. This method is particularly suited for embedding a watermark in a video stream compressed using motion estimation. In this case, the method uses the motion vectors in the video stream to compute a dominant motion for a frame, and then shifts the watermark by this dominant motion before embedding it in the frame.

Abstract: An authenticity proof label is provided and includes an adhesive layer, a hologram layer provided on the adhesive layer, a protective layer provided on the hologram layer, and a cut provided from a side of the protective layer in such a manner as to at least reach the hologram layer, the cut dividing a surface area of the protective layer into at least two segments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a security element in the form of a strip. The strip exhibits optical effects which vary, depending on the illumination or viewing direction. The optical effects are provided only in one or more definably delimited, mutually spaced surface regions. The strip outside the visually variable surface regions is transparent or is adapted to the appearance of the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A digital watermark which is incorporated, perceptibly or imperceptibly, into a diffractive device such as a hologram. When applied to protect and/or authenticate a document of value or a product, the device provides an increased degree of overt and covert security, and permits tracking of the sale, use or other parameters associated with the product and/or document of value.

Abstract: Provided is an electronic book comprising a book; a transparent film having printed thereon a coordinate code including a coordinate information according to a position in a page of the book, and a page code for selecting the page to be read; and a recognition device including a scanner for reading the coordinate code and the page code, wherein the recognition device stores a page data including an audio data corresponding to the coordinate information, reads the page code corresponding to the page to be read while the transparent film is placed over the page to be read, reads the coordinate code when disposed at the position within the page of the book, and outputs the audio data corresponding to the page code and the coordinate information included in the coordinate code read by the recognition device.

Abstract: A method and system for authenticating an item by using a security marking. The security marking is provided on the item with an OVD ink capable of absorbing light in a visible wavelength range to appear visibly black and producing a red fluorescent emission under ultraviolet excitation. Under visible light illumination and ultraviolet excitation, a visible image and a fluorescent image are obtained from the security marking using image scanners. The images are compared to find a substantial match with each other. The security marking can be a postage indicium, a barcode, a symbol, a message or an image. The item to be authenticated can be a mailpiece, a banknote, a tag, a ticket, a document, an identification card, or the like.

Abstract: An image presentation system employing microstructured icon elements to form an image. In one form a synthetic optical image system is provided that includes an array of focusing elements, and an image system that includes or is formed from an array or pattern of microstructured icon elements, such as those described below, wherein the microstructured icon elements are designed to collectively form an image or certain desired information, and wherein the array of focusing elements and the image system cooperate, for example through optical coupling, to form a synthetic optical image which image may optionally be magnified.

Abstract: A system for generating secure documents includes a station for generating a plain document and a security image generator that generates a security image. The security image is then incorporated into the plain document. Each security image consists of a plurality of secure elements, each secure element being defined by two sets of parallel lines. Each secure element defines an alphanumeric character or other unique image that is visible only under certain conditions, i.e., when inspected through a viewer. The technique can also be used to provide security images on a web page as a means of indicating that the web page is genuine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security device for security substrates, such as paper used for making security documents, such as banknotes, having anti-counterfeitable features. The invention therefore provides a security device comprising a carrier of at least partially light transmitting polymeric material. A carrier bears a plurality of first indicia which are easily visible to the human eye. The first indicia are defined by a plurality of smaller second indicia which are less visible to the human eye positioned relative to each other to enable the first indicia to be visualised.