Abstract: In a method for manufacturing instant lottery tickets where book numbers and ticket numbers are printed on the tickets utilizing a dual security process such that the book numbers are shuffled in each pool before the tickets are printed to break the link between the book numbers the ticket numbers or validation numbers, a reversing process can be used under certain predefined conditions to relate the original book numbers to the ticket numbers or validation numbers. In one example, where a shuffling algorithm utilizing seeds is used to shuffle the book numbers, the seeds used in the algorithm are maintained in an encrypted file. A decryption key for the encrypted seed file can be used by a lottery administration or trusted third party to reconstruct game play indicia for game adjustment purposes and manufacturing adjustments.

Abstract: An apparatus for identifying a pop-top can having a pull-tab activated opening member is comprised of a label, an adhesive backing and identifying indicia. The label is sized and shaped such that it has two generally circular sections joined by a neck. The circular sections fit the contour of the free end of the pull-tab. The neck and the circular sections are shaped to allow the label to become affixed to the pull-tab by the mating of the adhesive surfaces of each circular section to each other through an opening in the pull-tab. The identifying indicia, which may be a colored surface or typographical characters, distinguish one apparatus from another. A pop-top can is identified by affixing an apparatus to the pull-tab of the can.

Abstract: A laminated identification document having a plurality of laminate layers and an identification image thereon. The document has a core laminate layer having an upper surface and lower surface, at least one surface of which is printed with a dot matrix pattern and at least one visually opaque or reflective laminate layer bonded to and overlaying the printed surface. Upon pitting the laminate layer portions, the dot matrix pattern printed on the core laminate is expopsed to thereby form the identifying image. A laser markable laminated identification document having a plurality of laminate layers wherein a compatibilising layer is bonded to adjoining laminate layers, the compatibilising layer includes an imaging material that can be laser marked. A laminated identification document having a plurality of laminate layers and an identification image thereon, wherein at least one laminate layer is a compatibilising layer.

Abstract: The present invention is a specimen capture and collection form that utilizes a self laminating form assembly having first and second separable parts one of which is used in the collection, capture and retention of a sample of material to be analyzed and the other of which is used for recording the particular transaction for which the sample of specimen was collected. The form assembly is also provided with a unique element which enables the separation of excess sample collection material to be easily and conveniently separated from the remainder of the form assembly so as to not contaminate the specimen as well as prevent the inadvertent removal of the specimen from the form assembly. The construction is also provided with distinct verification areas to confirm authenticity of the form construction.

Abstract: A method of personalizing a gift card by a user includes purchasing a blank gift card having no predetermined monetary value, providing a marking implement capable of leaving a permanent mark on the front panel of the card, personalizing the card by releasing a marking ink from the marking implement onto the blank writing surface on the front of the card, and loading the card with a predetermined monetary value. After personalizing the card, the giver presents the loaded personalized gift card to a gift recipient, thereby facilitating a consumer exchange with a vendor when the gift recipient presents the personalized gift card to the vendor.

Abstract: A transaction card assembly and method for forming a transaction card assembly. The transaction card assembly may include two or more transaction cards that are each useable with different issuers. A first transaction card may be useable only with a first issuer, and the second transaction card may be useable with one or more entities other than the first issuer. The transaction card assembly may be formed from a same piece of material and may include one or more machine-readable features, such as a barcode, magnetic strip or electronic device. The transaction cards may meet ANSI and ISO specifications, e.g., after the cards are separated from each other without the use of tools.

Abstract: A method of applying an authentication image to an article is presented. The method comprises obtaining a digitized version of the authentication image, encoding the digitized version of the authentication image to produce an encoded latent image, and printing the encoded latent image on a printable surface of the article containing a primary image using a transmittent printing medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides an informational article on which variable information is inserted. The informational article includes a substrate having a zone for inserting the variable information. A visual security device, such as an optically variable ink, a special film, or combinations thereof is disposed in the zone on the substrate. The visual security device is sized and arranged such that at least a portion of the variable information is adapted to being inserted over the visual security device.

Abstract: Conventionally, when counterfeit judgment processing by using electronic watermark is performed in a printer driver, a printing speed is lowered due to heavy load. To solve the problem, in the printer driver, first, it is judged whether or not image data indicated by input print information is in high quality. If the image data is in high quality, it is judged whether or not the image data represents a particular image. If the image data represents the particular image, predetermined processing is performed on the image data. This minimizes the execution of counterfeit judgment processing and reduces the load.

Abstract: An optically detectable security marker for emitting light at a pre-selected wavelength. The marker comprises a rare earth dopant and a carrier incorporating the rare earth dopant. The interaction of the carrier and the dopant is such that the fluorescent fingerprint of the marker is different from that of the rare earth dopant. The marker may be incorporated into a plurality of items, such as fluids, for example paint, fuel or ink, and laminar products such as paper or banknotes or credit cards.

Abstract: The present invention provides a durable and self-verifying secure document system and a method for its production, wherein counterfeiting is prevented. The secure document system is potentially useful for a wide variety of documents including, but not limited to, lottery tickets, currency, traveler's checks, passports, stock and bond certificates, bank notes, driver's licenses, wills, coupons, rebates, contracts, food stamps, magnetic stripes, test answer forms, invoices, tickets, inventory forms, tags, labels and original artwork. The instant invention provides a plastic paper substitute having various indicia associated therewith including visible and hidden indicia. Application of the hidden indicia to the plastic paper substitute is implemented in accordance with a computer software program, and the document includes an integral lens area which is particularly designed to verify the document's authenticity by rendering the hidden indicia visible to the viewer.

Abstract: A method of enabling user interaction with computer software running in a computer system via an interface surface and a sensing device. The interface surface contains information relating to the computer software and coded data indicative of a signature field relating to the computer software. When the sensing device is placed in an operative position relative to the interface surface, it senses indicating data indicative of the signature field. The sensing device also generates movement data indicative of the sensing device's movement. The indicating data and the movement data are received from the sensing device, and the signature field is identified. Once the signature has been identified, the computer software is operated in reliance on the movement data, and in accordance with instructions associated with the signature field.

Abstract: The invention relates to a validation device comprising at least one specular reflective layer, indicia on said reflective layer, a polymer protective layer overlaying said indicia, and a polymer protective layer on the side of the reflective layer opposite to said indicia wherein said indicia are formed by thermal dye transfer.

Abstract: Security strips for identifying the genuineness of sheet material such as documents, securities and banknotes. The security strips are constructed of several different components, encoding means and electrically conductive layers connected in different arrangements on a support substrate. Layers of known per se electrically conductive polymers are being used. The security strips are applied on the sheet material or they are integrated in the sheet material. These security strips constitute insurmountable technological obstacles for a forger.

Abstract: A substrate, such as a document of value, carries a design feature (F), which includes an array of repeating patterns with the patterns exhibiting discrete differences in one or more visual characteristics, for example, shape, color or optical responses, according to a predetermined pattern. The differences are, preferably, indiscernible to the unaided eye, but can be discriminated by an optical reading machine. In an alternatively preferred embodiment, the visual characteristics of each pattern represent 8- or 16-bit information.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a magnetic page marker comprised by a pair of laminar walls which form a clip applicable to the edge of the page that is intended to mark. Into the clip, there is a pair of magnetic means which clasp said page, whose admission into the clip is facilitated by an inner cover. The bookmark has a signalling tab which jutts out notoriously respect the edges of the pages.

Abstract: A hard laminate sheet for security booklets and method of making the same. The laminate sheet comprises at least two hard core layers (e.g. of polycarbonate) and a flexible component (e.g. nylon) there between and extending beyond an outer edge of the core layers to form a flexible band. The flexible component may be provided as an intermediate layer also comprising a hard component (e.g. of polycarbonate) juxtaposed with the flexible component and laminated to the adjacent core layers. The flexible component comprises a plurality of apertures within which material of the adjacent core layers is laminated together and affixes the flexible component to the laminate sheet. Additional hard core layers may be laminated to the core layers which sandwich the intermediate layer. Optionally, the laminate sheet may be used for a travel document (such as a passport) and may be laser engraved.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing security marks on a support having a first face and a second face opposite said first face which consists in the following steps: high resolution printing with a varnish on the support first face; treating the support by electrolysis; washing and drying the support.

Abstract: A card and business form assembly and method for making same. The assembly includes a printable carrier sheet having a card that is releasably attached to the sheet by a backer.

Abstract: An assembly for providing information about an individual such as a lost child includes an envelope and an information sheet releasably adhesively connected to the rear panel of the envelope. The information sheet is manually removable from the rear envelope panel for insertion into the envelope. Removal of the information sheet exposes the adhesive on the envelope rear panel and the adhesive is used to apply the envelope to an individual's clothing.

Abstract: A printable form is disclosed having a detachable wristband and removable labels. The form includes a first layer having a separable area in the form of a wristband which allows the wristband to be separated from the form. A second layer is bonded to the first layer by an adhesive and has labels which are die cut out of the material of the second layer. The bond between the first layer and the die cut labels is a releaseable bond, allowing the labels and the adhesive contained thereon to be removed from the first layer.

Abstract: In order to verify the authenticity of manufactured goods, a smart tag is attached to the goods containing encrypted authentication information, such as a serial number, a description of the good's physical appearance or chemical decomposition, its color, or digital images of the good etc. The encryption procedure comprises public/private key encryption with zero-knowledge protocols. Zero knowledge protocols allow a smart tag to be authenticatable and yet be duplication resistant by allowing the verifying agent to convince him/herself that the smart tag is authentic without revealing its authentication information. The verification procedure can be done using a reader at a point of sale (POS) machine equipped with the appropriate public key and zero-knowledge protocols to decrypt the authentication information. A printed version of the serial number or other authentication information may be placed on the goods in human readable form to quickly verify the information electronically read from the smart tag.

Abstract: The present invention provides techniques that are helpful in resolving the authentication of an identification document or banknote. The document or banknote includes a security enhancer. The enhancer can be a graphic or artwork design, or can be realized with line art. In the case of an identification document, the spatial characteristics of the security enhancer are preferably altered in accordance with information contained in the identification document. For example, if the ID document includes a photograph, a hashing algorithm will reduce the photograph to a number. The number is used to set a repeated spacing distance of elements in the security enhancer. The repeated spacing yields an identifiable frequency response that is related to the identification document photograph.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, printer, system and software for verifying that a document was printed by a printer with a printing subsystem having a printhead cartridge with a unique printhead cartridge identifier and having a printhead electronically coupled to a computer. The method includes generating, by the computer, a unique document identification composite of electronic form characters utilizing the unique printhead cartridge identifier and transmitting the unique document identification composite to the printing subsystem for printing thereof on each print media sheet of the document.

Abstract: Activatable point of sale cards in which multiple cards can be mounted on a display sheet for use in display or shipment applications. Several cards can be included in the package, with each card being associated with a unique account. The card accounts may be conveniently activated by orienting a data field on the display sheet that is associated with the accounts which can be used to activate all of the accounts in one transaction.

Abstract: A set for forming a card such as an identity card with a protective film. The set has a carrier sheet, a print carrier layer and a protective film layer. The set further includes at least one print carrier element stamped out from the print carrier layer, and at least one protective film element stamped out from the protective film layer. The print carrier element and the protective film element are disposed in a mirror image relative to a fold axis formed in the carrier sheet. The protective film layer is formed by a hot-seal film layer, and the protective film element is disposed on the carrier sheet with a horizontal gap having a predetermined distance from the adjoining regions of the hot-seal film layer.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention encompasses a method of information storage and retrieval. A first communication is stored as data in a database with an identifier code. At least a portion of the data corresponding to the first communication is sent to a printer which prints a portion of the first communication together with the identifier code on a substrate. The first communication printed on the substrate is changed to form a second communication which is different from the first communication. The second communication is scanned with a scanning machine which digitizes the second communication and also digitizes the identifier code that had been printed on the substrate. Information is extracted from the digitized identifier code with a processor. The processor is in data communication with the database and is configured to utilize the extracted information to retrieve the first communication from the database.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a tamper evident informational article such as a temporary vehicle registration which may be made of paper or paperboard. The informational article has a zone for inserting information and a pattern within said zone which will resist effective counterfeiting. A transparent tape which preferably has a silicone resin coating which contains a wax is adhesively secured over information contained within the zone.

Abstract: A method and system for providing owners, potential buyers and other users of autographed items such as sports and other entertainment memorabilia visual evidence for verifying the authenticity of the autograph are described. A method of the present invention involves capturing an image of the signature as it is being placed on the item. The image so captured is then stored on a computer readable medium. In addition to the item itself, the owner of the item may be provided with a computer readable medium containing computer readable instructions for accessing the image and other information about the item, the signing process, the autographer, etc. The image may be captured by a camera mounted on a pen or other writing instrument.

Abstract: The card includes, in one embodiment, a substrate, emergency warning indicia disposed on the substrate, and indicia disposed on the substrate for requesting information and designating a printing area for identifying at least one of a) an address for locating the animal in need of care, and b) a contact person. In another embodiment, the card comprises first plastic wallet-sized substrate having emergency warning indicia and a second foldable paper substation having indicia disposed on the substrate for requesting information and designating a printing area for identifying an owner of the animal, an address of the owner, a contact person, veterinarian information, and a description of the animal. Kits include the card along with a sticker having emergency warning indicia corresponding to the card. The sticker is attachable to a building for locating the animal.

Abstract: A security element (2) in the form of a laminate can be used for the authentication of a document (1). The laminate has at least a transparent protective layer, a transparent lacquer layer and an adhesive layer, the lacquer layer being arranged between the protective layer and the adhesive layer. An interface in the form of a reflection layer separates the adhesive layer and the lacquer layer. The interface is divided into regions of a pattern (25) with flat surface portions and with relief structures which are formed in the lacquer layer. The flat surface portions form background surfaces (3) providing flat mirror surfaces for light which is incident into the laminate, while the regions with the relief structures of a predetermined, optically effective structure depth form pattern elements (4). The relief structures of the pattern elements (4) absorb the incident light.

Abstract: The system and method of the present invention forms an item specific pattern on a plain or holographic metallized film or hot stamp foil, including an embossed substrate with or without holograms. An ink jet printhead includes a plurality of ink jet channels and respective ink jets that receive one of etchant or etchant-resistant mask material for ejecting etchant or etchant-resistant mask material through the respective ink jets onto a metallized surface of the metallized film or hot stamp foil. A controller individually and digitally controls the ejection of etchant or etchant-resistant mask material in a programmed manner for ink jet printing on the metallized surface a unique pattern of etchant or etchant-resistant mask. Etchant etches the metallized surface into an item specific pattern by the ink jet printed etchant or subsequently applied etchant that exposes the metallized surface devoid of the etchant-resistant mask.

Abstract: A novelty business card with one or more edges configured for facilitating the removal of debris from surfaces. The card is designed to be compact and may be easily handled with human hand. Lettering, logos, and other messages may be printed on the front and/or back surfaces of the card for information distribution purposes. In one variation, the novelty business card has a squeegee attached to one of its four edges. In another variation, a scraping surface is provided on one of the edges on the business card in addition to the edge with a squeegee. In an alternative design, a brush may also be provided on the novelty business card. The novelty business card may serve the dual purpose as an information distribution medium and as a compact debris removal device.

Abstract: The card-format data medium (1, 1′) has a substrate (S) with an upper and a lower surface (10, 11) and an encircling edge (10a). A transparent protection layer (6) and a security film (5) are applied to the top surface (10) of the substrate (S). The security film (5) is positioned within the top surface (10) of the substrate (S) and the transparent protection layer (6) projects beyond the security film (5) all the way around. In at least one peripheral area (6a, 6a′), the protection layer (6) is bonded directly to the substrate (S) over a wide area. The data medium (1, 1′) is particularly resistant to environmental factors and secure against tampering and counterfeiting.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for enhancing the security of selected information associated with a negotiable document, such as the monetary value of a cheque. In the invention, one or more security features are printed or applied onto the cheque. One such security feature is an encrypted control code. The preferred embodiment employs a secret key cryptographic scheme to encrypt the monetary value and thereby generate a first control code which is printed on the check. When the check is presented for payment, a validator, such as bank or cheque clearing house, employs a verification system having a copy of the encryption key to read the monetary value from the cheque and re-encrypt it according to said scheme to generate a second control code. The cheque is not honored if the first and second control codes are not identical. Another security feature is a security image, composed, for instance, from a foreground image of the monetary value superimposed over a background motif image.

Abstract: The invention concerns a tamper-resistant and indelible method for marking objects, in particular labels, providing marking with good contrast and enhanced visibility. Said method is essentially characterised in that the marking is carried out in two operations: integral marking, i.e. in the thickness of the object; surface marking; said surface marking being superposed on the integral marking. The invention also concerns a marking label.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combined collection or storage device for a biological specimen. The device comprises an envelope having a storage pocket and a flap that can seal the envelope and a device having a biological specimen collection material attached to the envelope by a detaching means. A first identification means is disposed on the envelope that contains identifying information. A second identification means is disposed on the device that contains information that is identical to that of the first identification means. The device can be detached from the envelope and inserted into the storage pocket for transport or storage. An advantage of the present invention is that one can avoid the chance of information regarding a biological specimen being lost or mismatched.

Abstract: To invisibly embed additional information in a base pattern and to visualize the additional information, a dislocation is provided in a boundary between the base pattern compose of striped thin lines and the additional information pattern composed of striped thin lines. This dislocation makes the stripes of the patterns discontinuous. The additional information pattern is invisibly embedded in the base pattern such that a sequence of dislocations in the stripes forming the boundary is at an angle equal to or larger than a predetermined angle with respect to the stripe direction.

Abstract: An event entry and advertising medium including a carrier positioning an indicia receiving surface with visually perceptible indicia including a ticket component for gaining access to an event and a machine readable surface wherein digital data elements including at least one selectively positioned advertising element are encoded to be decoded in an optical disc reader to provide the advertising element to the user.

Abstract: A computer-controlled identifier tag production system. The system employs perforated plastic sheets comprising a plurality of transparent identifier tags. The sheets are designed to be fed through a conventional ink jet or laser printer to print one or more of the tags in accordance with user input. Each sheet is a single layer in thickness and is sufficiently flexible and heat-stable such that it will not deform if passed through a printer multiple times. The printed tags are used in conjunction with a plastic holder and backer plate to form an adhesive-free identifier tag assembly. The backer plate is preferably a rigid metal plate which may be embossed with indicia, such as a corporate logo. The identifier tag assembly may further include a magnet or pin fastener for temporarily affixing the backer plate to an article of clothing.

Abstract: A data package assembly includes at least one data card having a first substrate with opposite faces, and indicia correlated with a prepaid account. A package has a second substrate separate from the first substrate, the data card being detachably connected to the second substrate. Personal identifying indicia correlated with the account are concealed by the package. In addition, first account verification indicia on the card, and second account verification indicia on the package, both different from the personal identifying indicia and both correlated with the same account, are visibly exposed, the package including an aperture visibly exposing the first account verification indicia.

Abstract: A UPC identification device for affixation to a product includes a label-bearing portion having a side bearing UPC information; and a tail portion fixed to said label-bearing portion and extending outwardly therefrom for attaching the identification device to a product. The tail portion is held in place by expanding the distal portion thereof, or by forming the tail portion into a loop for capturing the label-bearing portion thereof.

Abstract: A counterfeit-resistant document comprises a substrate and a nano-pattern of nano-structures disposed on the substrate, wherein the nano-pattern is configured for forming a latent message (e.g., a warning or alert message) that appears on a copy of the document. The nano-pattern forms one of a foreground and a background of the latent message; and another pattern, e.g., a conventional pattern or another nano-pattern, forms the other of the foreground and background of the latent message. The nano-pattern and the other pattern are configured, such that the foreground and background exhibit substantially similar visual densities on an original of the document, and exhibit substantially different visual densities on the copied document. This can be accomplished by forming the nano-pattern with nano-structures (e.g.

Abstract: A multi-purpose card includes a combination of a plurality of coupons detachably cut into the redemption card, a bar code imprinted onto the redemption card, integrated circuit chips, and/or a scratch-off foil overlying an offer or information printed on the card. The multi-purpose card may be housed integrally in a promotional mailer in the form of a two-piece in one post card. The card is created and defined within the promotional mailer by score lines intermittently cut through a top layer, base layer and plastic film of the mailer in a manner to securely maintain the card in place until forcibly removed.

Abstract: A card with a core and at least one chip incorporated into the core, characterised in that the core consists of print material, at least 5% of at least one main surface are covered by a seal and the chip is covered on both main surfaces with a seal or a plastics layer, is distinguished by elevated anti-counterfeiting security, very good durability and elevated flexibility.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a multi-layer document card, especially an identity card made of plastic, comprising several layers. Said card comprises a card core with at least one card core layer, a protective layer on at least one side of said card core, and adhesive layers between the individual card layers. The card core is printed on either on one or two sides.

Abstract: The present invention is directed, in general to a mail piece and more particularly, a mail piece for collecting sample(s) of harmful materials from a mail processing device. The mail piece generally comprises: an air inlet, an air outlet and a collector. In an embodiment of the present invention, the mail pieces inlet is a material which causes sides of the mail piece to separate from one another when the mail piece is not under the pressure of a nip roller or similar grabbing device. In another embodiment of the present invention the collector is a filter present within the mail piece. In another embodiment of the present invention the collector is a filter or tacky material present inside the mail piece or on the out side of the mail piece. In another embodiment of the present invention, the mail piece is porous.

Abstract: An article of manufacture associated with a naturally-occurring or historically-related rare item includes a collectible item, a rare material or fragment derived from the rare item, and a certification of authenticity for attesting to the authenticity of the rare material or fragment. The collectible item may be formed from a mixture of the rare material and a common base material. The weight ratio of the base material to the rare material in the mixture is in the range of 1:1 to 1000:1 such that the rare material changes the color and/or the texture of the base material. Alternatively, the collectible item may be formed from a common base material, and the rare fragment may be coupled to the collectible item.

Abstract: A system and method for applying labels to a meat product and organizing a meat display case for ease of use by the consumer. The method of the present invention includes collecting PLU codes and corresponding product descriptions from a retailer, associating each PLU code with one or more preparation characteristic, using simple, easy-to-understand symbols, and applying a label to the meat product that the consumer can read and understand quickly and easily. In one embodiment, the present invention further includes a method for organizing a retailer's meat display case for facilitating desired product selection by the consumer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a printing system in which unauthorized copying and reproduction are prevented by making it easy to identify the source which created or manipulated image data to be reproduced and outputted. In accordance with this printing system, image data is entered from a personal computer that generates the image data, attribute information concerning the personal computer and a printer for forming an image is acquired, identification information which specifies the personal computer and the printer is generated based upon the attribute information, this identification information is added to the image data, and an image is printed using the image data to which the identification information has been added.