Abstract: An optical marking device including at least a first layer and a second layer disposed at least partially opposite each other, at least one of the first and second layers having an optically variable element being able to change colour between a first colour and a second colour, the first and second colours contrasting from a colour of the other layer in such a way that when the optically variable element displays the first colour, the first layer is visible and when the optically variable element displays the second colour, the second colour is visible, or when the optically variable element displays the first colour, the second layer is visible and when the optically variable element displays the second colour, the first layer is visible.

Abstract: Disclosed are an optical anti-counterfeiting element and an optical anti-counterfeiting product utilizing the same, the optical anti-counterfeiting element comprising: a substrate (12) including a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other; micro-sampling tools (11) on the first surface; and one or more micro graphic and text units formed on the second surface, wherein the micro graphic and text unit includes micro graphic and text strokes, the micro graphic and text strokes are arranged in a non-periodic and non-fixed-geometry manner, and when the second surface is observed through the micro-sampling tools, a stereoscopic animated anti-counterfeiting feature can be seen.

Abstract: A security article may include a substrate. The security article may include a layer of security ink. The layer of security ink may include a set of color-shifting interference particles. The security article may include a layer of magnetic color-shifting ink. The layer of magnetic color-shifting ink may include a set of magnetically aligned magnetic particles. A color-shifting property of the layer of security ink and a color-shifting property of the layer of magnetic color-shifting ink may have a threshold level of similarity to create a color matching effect.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for simultaneously performing printing of tablets and inspection on exteriors of the tablets, and provides a device for printing a tablet and inspecting an exterior of the tablet, comprising a transfer unit arranging and transferring tablets supplied from a tablet supplier in a line; a pre-printing image-capturing unit located on a transfer path on which the tablets are transferred to discriminate positions and orientations of the tablets, and disposed to capture images of exteriors of the tablets being transferred; a tablet printing unit located next to the pre-printing image-capturing unit on the transfer path on which the tablets are transferred, and printing the tablets being transferred, in consideration of discriminated results acquired from the images captured by the pre-printing image-capturing unit; and a post-printing image-capturing unit located next to the tablet printing unit on the transfer path on which the tablets are transferred, and capturing images

Abstract: A security document (200) includes a secure substrate (205). The secure substrate includes a viewing side (209) and a backing side (211), and a micro-optic system (305, 321) providing an optically variable effect (OVE) (513) on the viewing side. The security document further includes a protective layer (225), and a mask layer (215) disposed between the protective layer and the backing side of the secure substrate.

Abstract: An optical element comprising a window formed of synthetic diamond material and an optical surface pattern formed directly in a surface of the synthetic diamond material. The window of synthetic diamond material is in the form of a wedged diamond window with non-parallel major surfaces defining a wedge angle in a range (1) arcminute to 10° and the optical surface pattern is formed directly in one or both of the non-parallel major surfaces. There is also described a laser system comprising the optical element and a laser having a coherence length, wherein the coherence length of the laser is greater than twice a thickness of the wedged diamond window at its thickest point.

Abstract: An optically variable security arrangement for securing valuable articles, comprises a first sub-element having a two-dimensional relief grid composed of a plurality of grid elements and that has, in at least one spatial direction R1, a first line screen p below 500 ?m, and in which the grid elements are each formed from at least two relief elements that are directionally reflective in different directions, and a second sub-element having at least one dot and/or line grid that, in a spatial direction R2, has a second line screen q. A movement effect is created by the interplay of the relief grid and the dot and/or line grid when the security arrangement is tilted.

Abstract: A security device is disclosed including a substrate and one or more focusing elements or lens structures located on one side of the substrate. The security device includes a plurality of image elements associated with each focusing element wherein the image elements include at least first and second groups of image elements. Each image element may be composed of pixels located in an object plane to be viewable through the associated focusing element. Each image element comprises a diffractive grating element or sub-wavelength grating element which when illuminated by a light source generates a diffraction image observable at a range of viewing angles around the device. Image elements of the first group are visible in a first range of viewing angles and image elements of the second group are visible in a second range of viewing angles. The security device is particularly suitable for use on security documents, such as banknotes. A method of forming a security device is also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical structure surface including a plurality of display region groups including a first display region group and a second display region group. In each display region group, an azimuth angle is formed between a projection direction and a reference direction, and a plurality of reflective surfaces belonging to the display region produce an image. A plurality of display regions include a set of display regions whose azimuth angles are different from each other, and the plurality of display regions display an image unique to the display region group in a display direction by a plurality of reflective surfaces of each of the display regions. The display directions of the first display region group and the second display group are different to provide a different brightness to their respective images, in the respective display directions of the images.

Abstract: Herein is described a scratch-off structure comprising the following layers in order: a substrate having a first layer showing information thereon, a second layer comprising a polymeric film and being substantially transparent; a third layer comprising a transparent electrostatic ink; a fourth layer, wherein the fourth layer is coloured. Methods for making scratch-off structures and collections of scratch-off structures are also described.

Abstract: There is provided a holographic security element including a substrate; and an array of nano-reflectors configured to form a pattern on the substrate and to generate a holographic image corresponding to the pattern at a predetermined distance from the substrate when irradiated with a predetermined light source. In particular, the array of nano-reflectors is configured to generate the holographic image at the predetermined distance to have a size that is larger than a size of the pattern. There is also provided a method of forming the holographic security element, and an article having one or more holographic security elements incorporated therein.

Abstract: An intaglio printing ink includes capsule luminescent pigments and a further machine-readable feature substance. The capsule luminescent pigments include at least one core with a luminescent substance and one shell encapsulating the at least one core. They are characterized by their high luminescence intensity and high chemical stability, which enables a simultaneous loading of the intaglio printing ink with a further machine-readable feature. A printing method and a printed product include the intaglio printing ink.

Abstract: A security document with a first security element, which includes a first item of visually recognizable and in particular machine-readable information, and a second security element, which includes a second item of in particular machine-readable information which can be used to verify the first item of information. A method for the authentication thereof is also described.

Abstract: A micro-optic device, including: a substrate; a plurality of image elements in an image plane; and a plurality of focusing elements, each focusing element focusing light to a focal point on the image plane and magnifying any portion of an image element falling within the focal point to thereby produce an image pixel projected to a user at one or more viewing angles, the focal point having an extent smaller than the image element, wherein each image element includes an image sub-element having a different discernible level of brightness to elsewhere in the image element, the brightness of each projected image pixel being dependent on the proportion of the focal point filled with the image sub-element, and wherein each image sub-element has one or more attributes in the image plane, such that, from a given viewing angle, the brightness of each projected image pixel is dependent on each attribute of each image sub-element.

Abstract: The device (100) for protecting a document (125) comprises: —a means (120) for inputting a digital file representing an image of at least a part of the document, —a means (135) of extracting characteristic elements of the image and of positions of said characteristic elements on the document, —a means (140) of encoding characteristic elements of the image and data representative of position of said characteristic elements on the document, and to a matrix code and—a means (155) of printing the matrix code on or in said document. In embodiments, the device comprises: —a means (165) of determining a location of the document not bearing any information, and/or—a means (165) of determining the shape of the matrix code corresponding to the location of the document not bearing information, the printing means printing the matrix code at the determined location and according to the determined shape.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a card comprising a transparent window. The window comprises a front side and a back side. The method comprises steps of printing a color picture on the back side of the window and laser engraving the front side of the window. Also provided is a device configured to carry out the above-described method and a card manufactured with the above-described method.

Abstract: An improved form of optical security device for use in the protection of documents and articles of value from counterfeit and to verify authenticity is provided. The inventive device, which is made up of an optionally embedded array of icon focusing elements, at least one grayscale in-plane image, and a plurality of coextensive control patterns of icons contained on or within the in-plane image, each control pattern being mapped to areas of the grayscale in-plane image having a range of grayscale levels, provides enhanced design capability, improved visual impact, and greater resistance to manufacturing variations.

Abstract: A new method of constructing a convertible virtual reality viewer on planar surface when in an unfolded state, or out of a box-type structure is described. Through its design of structural folds, the planar surface(s) can be configured into any shape such as, but not limited to, a package, box, container, mailer, and flyer of any material. Users of such a viewer download a software application onto a smart device and use this display apparatus to view a virtual image through a face plate, containing a pair of biconvex lenses. A viewer fashioned as such provides an environmental solution to reusing resources and limiting product waste by reusing product packaging as a virtual reality viewer with multiple uses. The planar surface(s) are intended for use as product packaging and/or mailer designed to be converted into a virtual reality viewer by the user.

Abstract: In part, the disclosure relates to articles of manufacture, such as banknote, that include one or more precious materials formed as unitary structure and that is secured within the article and disposed below one or more tamper resistant elements such that the article is self-authenticating. The articles may include polymer-based notes, instruments and other substantially planar articles defined by a boundary and an upper surface and a lower surface such that a precious material is at least in part co-planar with a third surface sandwiched therebetween. The disclosure also relates to a flexible precious metal storage apparatus that includes three layers, one layer defines a cavity. The cavity is sized and arranged to have a precious metal layer deposited, printed, injected, grown, or otherwise at least partially surrounded by the boundary of the geometric shape.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing the panel element (1) according to an aspect of the present invention includes: a process of printing a printed layer (4a) formed of an ink that does not transmit light on a front side of a resin sheet (3); a process of superimposing and printing a printed layer (4b) on an upper surface of the printed layer (4a) to form a laminated printed layer (4); and a process of irradiating the laminated printed layer (4) with laser light on a front side thereof to remove a part of the laminated printed layer (4) and to form a hole portion having a vertical end face in the laminated printed layer (4).

Abstract: An optical article printed on a substrate may include an organic binder; and a plurality of reflective magnetic platelets provided in the organic binder, wherein the plurality of reflective magnetic platelets are substantially aligned in accordance with at least part of a surface of revolution, and wherein the plurality of reflective magnetic platelets are aligned to cause a first reflective effect of the optical article when the substrate is rotated around a first axis and to cause a second reflective effect of the optical article when the substrate is rotated around a second axis, wherein the first reflective effect is different from the second reflective effect.

Abstract: A security element for securing value documents comprises a first polymer containing a feature substance, which is at least partially surrounded by a second polymer, wherein the first polymer is a hydrophobic, water-insoluble polymer which, at an elevated pH value and at elevated ambient temperature at a treatment duration of less than 60 minutes can be converted into a hydrophilic, water-soluble polymer. The security elements also contains a second polymer, which is a hydrophilic, water-soluble polymer, wherein the elevated pH value is greater than 12 and the elevated ambient temperature is greater than 90° C.

Abstract: A security device is provided. The security device comprises an array of elongate focusing structures, the elongate axes of which are aligned along a first direction, the elongate focusing structures being arranged parallel to one another periodically along a second direction which is orthogonal to the first direction, each elongate focusing structure having an optical footprint of which different elongate strips will be directed to the viewer in dependence on the viewing angle, the centre line of each optical footprint being parallel with the first direction. An array of image elements overlap the array of elongate focusing structures, the array of image elements representing elongate image slices of at least two respective images, each image slice comprising one or more image elements, and at least one image slice of each respective image being located at least partially in the optical footprint of each elongate focusing structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a labeling element for items, which on a surface thereof is formed with a plurality of pixels with periodic lattice structures, in particular linear lattice structures. Lattice structures with in each case one structural period ? and an alignment of the structural elements, which are aligned to one another in particular in a linear parallel manner, at an angle ? with respect to an axis of reference are formed in individual pixels such that when the pixels constituting the labeling element are irradiated with electromagnetic radiation, preferably monochromatic electromagnetic radiation, an image of the labeling element is created on an detector array or a surface, by means of images of at least one order of diffraction of the electromagnetic radiation diffracted by pixels which can be used for identification of the respective labeling element.

Abstract: A method of forming a security document, comprises providing a thread comprising at least one region of heat-transformable material, this material having an optical effect which is transformable in response to applied heat. The thread is integrated with a document substrate material during a substrate forming process, so as to produce a security document substrate having at least one windowed region in which the thread is exposed at the substrate surface, and at least one bridge region in which the thread is not exposed. A patterned heat process is then applied, causing a structural modification in the heat-transformable layer of the thread so as to produce an observable optical effect representative of the heat pattern at one or more predetermined positions with respect to one or more of the said windowed region or bridge region. Security documents bearing threads with such optically transformable materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an optical anti-counterfeiting component and an optical anti-counterfeiting product. The optical anti-counterfeiting component comprises: a substrate; a sub-wavelength surface micro-structure and an optical reflection facet formed on an upper surface of the substrate; and a multi-layer structured coating formed on the sub-wavelength surface micro-structure and the optical reflection facet. In the case where the same multi-layer structured coating is used, a contrasting optical characteristic is formed between the region in which the sub-wavelength surface micro-structure and the multi-layer structured coating lie and the region in which the optical reflection facet and the multi-layer structured coating lie, so that the optical anti-counterfeiting component or the optical anti-counterfeiting product that includes the optical anti-counterfeiting component can be identified easily and has high anti-counterfeiting capability.

Abstract: A multilayer laminate identification document including an outer layer having a contoured surface image formed therein via laser ablation. The contoured surface image has contours based on a digital monochrome image, and has a first appearance when viewed in reflected light at a first angle and a second, different appearance when viewed in reflected light at a second, different angle. The multilayer laminate identification document is formed by generating a second digital monochrome image with continuous pixel patterns from a first digital monochrome image, and irradiating the surface of the identification document with a laser using the second digital monochrome image as a guide to form a contoured surface image in the surface of the identification document.

Abstract: A display includes one or more first relief structures. Each of the one or more first relief structures consists of a smooth first reflection surface and a plurality of protrusions or recesses, each top surface of the protrusions or each bottom of the recesses is a smooth second reflection surface parallel to the first reflection surface, each of the one or more first relief structures is configured to display a color as a structural color by emitting a plurality of wavelength components of visible light wavelengths in the same direction, and each of the second reflection surfaces has a height or depth relative to the first reflection surface in a range of 0.1 to 0.5 ?m.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an image element array includes: providing a production tool having a surface pattern of ink-receptive elements spaced by areas which are not, the ink-receptive elements defining the array image elements; applying a multi-colored first image formed of a inks to only the ink-receptive elements; and transferring only the portions of the multi-colored first image corresponding to the image elements from the production tool to a substrate. An image element array is formed on the substrate. The production tool surface pattern is configured such that when viewing and image element arrays overlap, each viewing element within an image element array first region directs light from a respective image element or from a respective gap. The viewing angle in the first region directs light from either the array or the gaps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to complex security elements based on liquid crystal coatings which are subsequently coated with specific metallic nano-shaped metal particles, a method for their manufacture, in particular on a glass, paper or on a plastic substrate and a security product obtainable using the security element. The security element may contain additionally an embossed surface relief microstructure, especially an optically variable image (an optically variable device, OVD), such as a hologram. A further aspect of the invention is the use of such a security element for the prevention of counterfeit or reproduction of a document of value.

Abstract: Methods manufacture an optically variable security element by breaking down a first motif into first motif elements, assigning the first motif elements first directional degrees of reflection that encode the first motif, wherein a relief layer having a multiplicity of single visual elements having a respective single element surface is produced and divided into reflection areas, wherein first reflection areas of different single element surfaces are assigned to the first motif, and the first reflection areas associated with the first motif are provided with the first directional degrees of reflection.

Abstract: An improved form of optical security device for use in the protection of documents and articles of value from counterfeit and to verify authenticity is provided. The inventive device, which is made up of an optionally embedded array of icon focusing elements, at least one grayscale in-plane image, and a plurality of coextensive control patterns of icons contained on or within the in-plane image, each control pattern being mapped to areas of the grayscale in-plane image having a range of grayscale levels, provides enhanced design capability, improved visual impact, and greater resistance to manufacturing variations.

Abstract: In one example, a method for registering a printing device with a network-based service is described. The method may include a printing device receiving a print request, where the print request comprises an image, determining that the image includes a command to connect to a server of a network-based service to register the printing device with the network-based service. The method may further include the printing device connecting to the server in response to the command and receiving a verification from the server that the printing device is registered with the network-based service.

Abstract: An erasing apparatus of embodiments has a color erasing device, the color erasing device has: a first heating member; a second heating member provided at a position facing the first heating member so as to form a nip portion therebetween through which the sheet is passed; a halogen lamp configured to heat the second heating member from outside thereof; and a reflector provided at a position opposite to the second heating member with the halogen lamp interposed therebetween and having a reflective surface configured to reflect heat received from the halogen lamp toward the second heating member, the reflector forming a guiding section configured to be in sliding contact with the sheet being conveyed so as to guide the sheet to the nip portion, the guiding section being heated by the halogen lamp.

Abstract: A new method of constructing a convertible virtual reality viewer on planar surface when in an unfolded state, or out of a box-type structure is described. Through its design of structural folds, the planar surface(s) can be configured into any shape such as, but not limited to, a package, box, container, mailer, and flyer of any material. Users of such a viewer download a software application onto a smart device and use this display apparatus to view a virtual image through a face plate, containing a pair of biconvex lenses. A viewer fashioned as such provides an environmental solution to reusing resources and limiting product waste by reusing product packaging as a virtual reality viewer with multiple uses. The planar surface(s) are intended for use as product packaging and/or mailer designed to be converted into a virtual reality viewer by the user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the production and labeling of objects in a manner suitable for the prevention and detection of counterfeiting. Thus, the system incorporates a variety of features that make unauthorized reproduction difficult. In addition, the present invention provides an efficient means for the production of labels and verification of authenticity, whereby a recording apparatus which includes a recording medium, having anisotrophic optical domains, along with a means for transferring a portion of the recording medium to a carrier, wherein a bulk portion of the recording medium has macroscopically detectable anisotrophic optical properties and the detecting apparatus thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a security structure (10), comprising at least one first fluorescent composition (13) and at least one second phosphorescent composition (12), the first and second compositions being simultaneously excitable by a predefined illuminant from a single first surface (14) of the structure, the security structure (10) being provided in the form of a security thread, a security film, or a patch, wherein the first fluorescent composition is at least partially stacked on the second phosphorescent composition and/or the first and second compositions are used for the reference marking on the security structure.

Abstract: A unisometric reflection display having a light transmissivity includes reflectors included in a reflector holding layer of a thin film form. The reflectors incline at a fixed direction and a fixed angle to a plane of the reflector holding layer. Light incident from a first direction is reflected on a front surface of a reflector to be inhibited from transmitting through the reflector holding layer. Light incident from a second direction to a reflector is reflected on a front surface of the reflector and a rear surface of another reflector adjacent the reflector at a front surface side, or reflected this way a plurality of times to transmit through the reflector holding layer.

Abstract: A display including one or more first relief structures is provided. Each of the one or more first relief structures includes a smooth first reflection surface and a plurality of protrusions or recesses. Each top surface of the protrusions or each bottom of the recesses is a smooth second reflection surface parallel to the first reflection surface. Each of the one or more first relief structures is configured to display a mixed color as a structural color by mixing a plurality of wavelength components of visible light wavelengths. Also provided is a labeled article that includes the display, and an article supporting the display.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a multilayer film includes a holographic image layer, a first heat-shrinkable layer and a first adhesive layer between the holographic image layer and the first heat-shrinkable layer. In a second aspect, an authentication label includes a holographic image layer, a first heat-shrinkable layer, a first adhesive layer between the holographic image layer and the first heat-shrinkable layer, and a back adhesive layer.

Abstract: A multilayer body with a carrier and a layer arranged thereon which comprises electrically conductive material in such an arrangement comprises an information area and a background area (18) which are galvanically separated from each other. In each information area a first zone (10) with electrically conductive material is provided, over the entirety of which electrically conductive material is conductively connected to it. In each background area a plurality of second zones with electrically conductive material is provided, which are galvanically separated from each other. Each first zone (10) preferably occupies a surface area that is at least five times larger than each of the second zones. The electrically conductive material is preferably provided with an average surface coverage which varies over all information areas and background areas (18) by less than 25%.

Abstract: A printed retroreflective film has a planar surface on a front side and a plurality of retroreflective elements on a back side. A halftone printed ink layer is deposited on the planar surface formed from uniformly spaced, discrete dots of deposited ink. The areas between the dots provide light-transmissive openings that receive incident light and transmit retroreflected light. The aggregate area of the dots forming the half-tone pattern preferably covers between about 60% and 90% of the area of the half-tone pattern. The use of such a halftone pattern of ink increases the reflectivity of the printed retroreflective sheeting by reducing the amount of light absorbed by the ink, and by reducing the amount of light scattered by the layer of ink. The use of such a halftone pattern of ink further obviates the need for an anti-light scattering topcoat or film over the front surface of the retroreflective sheet.

Abstract: An anti-counterfeiting security thread for incorporation into documents and banknotes. The security thread has at least two zones located respectively on either side of a separation line extending longitudinally along the thread. Two optically variable security elements having different appearances are disposed in the first zone and second zones of the security thread. The optically variable elements are arranged with respect to the separation line so that each of the two optically variable elements has a first perceived appearance from a first direction of observation and a second perceived appearance from a second direction of observation, wherein the first and the second perceived appearances are different.

Abstract: Secure wire marking for identification and authentication is disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a first strand that is electrically conductive, the first strand being embedded with a first set of particles, wherein the first set of particles have a first optical response when they are illuminated by light having a first wavelength.

Abstract: A method of and device for controlling a reflective color of a photonic crystal display device, capable of precisely controlling the distance between particles to display RGB full colors covering desired wavelength ranges. The method and device include using a mixed dispersion medium containing two or more kinds of solvents having different dielectric constants as a dispersion medium for a photonic crystal in a composition for a photonic crystal display device of which colors are controlled through the application of an electric field.

Abstract: Tags are made from optical films to provide a pattern that is inconspicuous to ordinary observers, but that is detectable by a camera or other imaging device. The pattern is provided by first and second portions of a patterned layer, the first portions selectively filtering at least a portion of blue visible light from other visible light wavelengths. Filtering in the portion of the blue region helps make the pattern inconspicuous. The tags may also include an indicia layer configured to mark a location of the pattern, and a contrast enhancing layer disposed behind the patterned layer and configured to enhance a contrast of the pattern. In some cases, the first portions of the patterned layer may filter optical wavelengths other than blue, such as near-infrared light. The pattern may comprise machine-readable information, e.g., a linear bar code or a 2-D bar code. Associated methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and a device which enable laser markings to be performed and reduce the need of intervention by a service technician and still enable accurate grey scale markings to be performed reliably. Embodiments of the invention relate to a method and a device such that the device for laser marking is equipped with a measuring head which measures a laser output or laser pulse energy absolutely and using a measurement result thus obtained in order to change and suitably adapt an assignment function which assigns laser control values to grey scale values.

Abstract: A mobile terminal comprises a terminal body, and an image module mounted onto the terminal body to provide an externally exposed stereoscopic image. The image module includes an optically transmissive layer made of an optically transmissive material, a pattern layer made of an optically transmissive material and protruding from a rear surface of the optically transmissive layer in a shape corresponding to the image, and a reflection layer disposed to cover the pattern layer to reflect at least part of light incident onto the pattern layer toward a front surface of the optically transmissive layer.

Abstract: A book for use in an augmented reality system comprises a plurality of leaves, each side forming a page of the book, with each page comprising a fiduciary marker. The book also includes a cover having larger dimensions than the book's leaves. Thus, the cover's extremhities extend beyond the outer edges of the pages. The inside of the cover comprises a first high contrast pattern along at least a first such extremity. An entertainment device for use in the augmented reality system comprises input means to receive a video image of the book, and image processing means to estimate a position and orientation of the book from a fiduciary marker of the book captured in the video image, to estimate a position and orientation of the first high contrast pattern, and to distinguish between one or more leaves of the book being turned independently of the cover of the book.

Abstract: The present invention relates to anti-counterfeiting field, and more particularly, to an anti-counterfeiting method, device and system based on textures of an object to be tested. The method includes: providing a light source based on a pre-determined anti-counterfeiting test model, projecting light emitted by the light source on a pre-determined test area, obtaining a pre-determined number of pictures of the pre-determined test area by means of a pre-determined optical sensor, acquiring texture characteristics of the pre-determined test area from the pictures, computing similarity between the texture characteristics and pre-stored texture characteristics and outputting a test result based on the similarity. The present invention implements anti-counterfeiting function by using the texture characteristics of the object itself and improves the anti-counterfeiting level greatly without increasing complexity of the production of the object.