Abstract: A method for confirming the authenticity of an article including placing a semi hard piece of material on an article then printing a magnetic pattern on the semi hard piece of material. In order to view the pattern, a viewer containing a suspension of materials will be placed over the semi hard piece of material. The suspension of materials will then orient in the presence of a magnetic field adjacent to the magnetic material.

Abstract: Magnetic cards are formed by plural, coadjoining, generally planar, parallel layers. Outermost layers form outer sides of each card. At least a first visible image is provided on a first of the outer sides. The card includes a generally planar, permanently magnetized layer formed by one or more permanently magnetizable planar components that are fixedly positioned preferably within a frame between the opaque outer sides or a magnetizable material layer only -part of which has been selectively permanently magnetized. The permanently magnetized layer or permanently magnetized portion of a larger, magnetizable layer has a predetermined configuration which is related at least in informational content to the first visible image. A silhouette of the predetermined configuration can be magnetically reproduced by placing a card on a magnetically actuated fluid display panel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process which comprises (a) applying to a recording sheet a marking material comprising a Raman-detectable component which, when irradiated with monochromatic radiation, exhibits a detectable Raman spectrum, thereby forming a mark on the recording sheet; (b) irradiating the mark on the recording sheet with monochromatic radiation; and (c) measuring the Raman spectrum of radiation scattered from the mark when the mark is irradiated with monochromatic radiation.

Abstract: A system and method using a label for tracking the distribution of products such as promotional receipt rolls which include customized, targeted information is provided.

Abstract: A support of paper or the like is imprinted with a security micropattern which prevents falsification of documents printed on the support by use of high resolution copier machines. The security micropattern is printed with ink which is transparent or of the same coloration as the support. The ink comprising the micropattern is either non-absorbent or hydrophilic, and the ink used for inscribing on the support is either hydrophilic or non-absorbent, respectively.

Abstract: Apparatus for discriminating bills includes a sensitive color plate provided on one side of a bill transport passage for transporting bills therethrough, and a light source for emitting light toward the sensitive color plate. A reflecting plate is provided parallel to the sensitive color plate on the other side of the bill transport passage for reflecting light from the light source transmitted through the sensitive color plate back toward the sensitive color plate. A band-pass filter passes light having a prescribed wavelength range and cuts light having other wavelengths. A photosensor detects the light reflected by the reflecting plate and transmitted through the sensitive color plate and the band-pass filter. With this arrangement, it is possible to discriminate bills having a transparent portion with high accuracy.

Abstract: A bill or security discriminating apparatus includes at least one irradiating device for irradiating a surface of a bill or security at a predetermined angle with the surface thereof, at least one polarization separating device for receiving light reflected by the surface of the bill or security and separating the received light into P-polarized light and S-polarized light, at least one first light detector for photoelectrically detecting the P-polarized light separated by the at least one polarization separating device and generating an electrical signal in accordance with intensity of the detected light, at least one second light detector for photoelectrically detecting the S-polarized light separated by the at least one polarization separating device and generating an electrical signal in accordance with intensity of the detected light, and a discriminator for discriminating the bill or security in accordance with the intensity of the P-polarized light and S-polarized light based on the electrical signals

Abstract: An article is disclosed having both holographic and retroreflective features. The article includes a holographic layer that is perceptible under normal lighting conditions and substantially imperceptible to the unaided eye under retroreflective lighting conditions, a retroreflective layer perceptible under retroreflective lighting conditions, and means for bonding the two layers together.

Abstract: A data processing form for use with photo-sensing apparatus that detect the presence of indicia at indicia-receiving locations on the form. The form is composed of a sheet of carrier material and plurality of indicia-receiving locations. The indicia-receiving locations are defined by a mutable colored composition including a mutable colorant and an ultraviolet radiation transorber such that the indicia-receiving locations are adapted to become substantially undetectable by photo-sensing apparatus upon irradiating the colored composition with ultraviolet radiation at a dosage level sufficient to irreversibly mutate the colorant. The colored composition may be irradiated with radiation in the ultraviolet region of the ultraviolet spectrum.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an information-recorded medium with easily selectable and identifiable items of information, which is virtually protected against forgery and has enhanced security against some improper use, and a method for reading such a medium. This information-recorded medium 1 includes a substrate 2 and a layer 3 with information recorded thereon by the printing of infrared absorbing ink, said layer 3 being provided on the surface of the layer 2. The printed layer 3 is provided thereon with a relief hologram-recorded layer 7 through an adhesive layer 4, said hologram-recorded layer 7 being built up of a reflecting layer 5 transparent to the infrared region and a relief hologram-formed layer 6 provided on the surface of the reflecting layer 5. For reading, the hologram-recorded layer 7 is reconstructed by visible light, while the printed layer is reconstructed by infrared light, and the medium 1 is identified on the basis of the thus reconstructed information.

Abstract: An article 1 to be prevented from forgery previously contains an optical semiconductor, the mixing ratio of which is predetermined. Under the condition that a light source 6 is turned off, microwaves are emitted to the article 1 to be prevented from forgery through a feed phone 5. These microwaves are reflected on the article 1 to be prevented from forgery and supplied to a receiving section 8 through a feed phone 7, so that the receiving level of the microwaves can be measured. Next, the light source 6 is turned on, and the receiving level of the microwaves is measured in the same manner. When an optical semiconductor is irradiated with rays of light, it is excited, so that the microwave reflection factor is enhanced. Accordingly, the receiving level in the case where the light source 6 is turned on is higher than the receiving level in the case where the light source 6 is turned off.

Abstract: A thermally imagable business record, such as a form, label, tag, or the like is provided which may be activated to form human and/or machine readable images as well as different colored images. The record comprises a substrate having a thermally imagable coating on substantially its entire surface which forms a first color when activated, and having a desensitized area on at least one area of its surface which may be overcoated with a thermally imagable coating capable of forming a different color upon activation than the first thermally imagable coating. The first thermally imagable coating provides images which are of machine readable quality, while the additional thermally imagable coatings provide images of a different color to designate selected areas on the form or label to a user.

Abstract: Photochromic printing inks are disclosed which are in particular used for the printing of security documents. Prints are normally nearly colorless and become colored when energy irradiated, such as by ultraviolet light. This photocoloration is reversible. The printing inks contain photochromic compounds which are protected against other ink components. Methods are described to prepare the inks, to print security documents, and to detect counterfeiting.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security document, in particular a bank note, identity card or the like, having a security element which is provided with characters, patterns, etc., visually readable at least in transmitted light and which is electrically conductive and bears additional substances for machine testing, and to a method for producing such a security element. The security element preferably consists of a transparent film strip that bears negative writing readily capable of visual checking and is additionally provided with electrically conductive and magnetic substances.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method and apparatus, as implemented by a software program on a computer system, for digitally producing counterfeit-deterring scrambled or coded indicia images, typically in a printed form. This method and system are capable of combining a source image with a latent image so the scrambled latent image is visible only when viewed through a special decoder lens. The digital processing allows different latent images to be encoded according to different parameters. Additionally, latent images might be encoded into single component colors of an original visible image, at various angles from each other.

Abstract: Colors (particularly colored stripes) and black and white indicia (such as bar coding and airport codes) are variably printed, preferably on direct thermal stock, using at least one direct thermal print head and a plurality of transfer thermal print heads, a plurality of differently colored wax ribbon strips (each strip preferably being a separate ribbon) associated with the transfer thermal print heads. A web or sheet of stock having a first, thermosensitive, surface is moved in the first direction, and while doing so variable black indicia is selectively applied to the first surface with the at least one direct thermal print head, while selectively moving one or more of the transfer thermal print heads into operative association with its associated colored wax ribbon so as to apply color from the ribbon onto the first surface of the web or sheet by thermal transfer.

Abstract: A hologram forming layer, transparent evaporated layer, colored layer, adhesion anchor layer, and adhesive layer are sequentially laminated on the under surface of a base member. The laminated body is used as a seal by the presence of the adhesive layer. It is preferable for the base member to have adequate rigidity (flexibility, tensile strength) and surface flatness. The hologram forming layer has a relief type hologram image. The transparent evaporated layer is a multi-layered ceramic layer constructed by alternately laminating high-refractive index layers and low-refractive index layers and the thickness thereof is preferably set to 1 .mu.m or less. In the transparent evaporated layer, the color of visible light in predetermined wavelength range is changed according to the viewing angle when it is transmitted therethrough or reflected therefrom.

Abstract: Identification document characterized by an electroluminescence effect, the peculiarity of which consists of including a plurality of superimposed layers according to the following sequence:one transparent support, one codification layer, said codification layer being fit for having a pre-established identification code, one first electric circuit, one first insulating layer, one electroluminescence layer, a second insulating layer, a second electrical circuit, one additional insulating layer, said first and second circuits being fit for lightening said electroluminescence layer by making use of alternating current through said circuits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for automated identification of articles such as baggage or carrier cargo wherein an electronic sub system called an interrogator including a transmitter and receiver extracts by electromagnetic means useful information from an electronically coded label attached to such items as they are processed through the sorting operations at an airport or node of an article handling organization.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security document, in particular a bank note, identity card or the like, having a security element which is provided with characters, patterns, etc., visually readable at least in transmitted light and which is electrically conductive and bears additional substances for machine testing, and to a method for producing such a security element. The security element preferably consists of a transparent film strip that bears negative writing readily capable of visual checking and is additionally provided with electrically conductive and magnetic substances.

Abstract: A viewing device for use by an observer to ascertain the authenticity of an instrument of value having an image formed from an optically variable device. The viewing device includes a frame structure which permits viewing of the image in a fixed spatial orientation and a reflector carried by the frame structure for permitting the observer to see simultaneously the image in first and second colors without movement of the observer, the viewing device or the image.

Abstract: An optical recording material comprising: a thin film or membrane of a hydrophobic binding agent; and metallic particles having a diameter of 0.003 .mu.m to 3 .mu.m dispersed in said film or membrane wherein the density of said metallic particles is higher near at least one surface of said film or membrane as compared with another portion of said film or membrane, each metallic particle having a nucleus and an outer coating, said outer coating consisting of at least one metal having a melting point of 250.degree. C. to 1800.degree. C. and a thermal conductivity at 0.degree. C. of 5 W.multidot.m.sup.-1 .multidot.K.sup.-1 to 450 W.multidot.m.sup.-1 .multidot.K.sup.-1 wherein the reflectivity of the surface of said film or membrane where the density of said metallic particle is higher is 10 to 90%., a method for preparing the optical recording material and an optical card containing the optical recording material.

Abstract: A bank or identity type of magnetic card contains ferromagnetic elements that selectively absorb waves at microwave frequencies. The disclosure also relates to a reading device adapted to this card. The device has an active system and a resonant system capable of filtering the microwaves at the resonance frequencies of the ferromagnetic materials of the card to be read. The reading device, equipped with a system to measure the amplitude of the microwaves, can thus recognize the magnetic information elements on the card, through the disturbance or non-disturbance of the microwaves during the insertion of the card into the device. The value of the encoding of the card lies in fact that the information elements are hard to destroy.

Abstract: An identifying procedure and system for identifying a visual object, the object to be identified (1) being marked with a polarizing surface (2) provided in the region of the object. Observation of the object is accomplished by utilizing the lighting prevailing at the object and in its ambience, on the basis of the polarized light (4a) reflected by said polarizing surface.

Abstract: A monitoring device useful in home arrest, identification, and surveillance activities, including a monitoring member communicatively linked to a remote communicator. The monitoring member includes a barcode strip secured therein. The monitoring member may be secured to an animate or inanimate object by a strap including a plurality of charged and uncharged conductors therein. The barcode is either printed on or covered by a photo-sensitive material, and a photo-flash element is positioned in proximity to the barcode. When the monitoring member is severed from the animate or inanimate object the photo-flash element is activated thereby altering the photo-sensitive material and obscuring the barcode. The photo-flash element is preferably energized by a battery.

Abstract: A security element for use in a security document such as a bank note, identity card or the like includes at least a partial metallic coating on a substrate and wherein the metallic coating includes recesses in the forms of characters or patterns that are visually recognizable at least in transmitted light and a magnetic coating of soft-magnetic pigments disposed in overlying relationship with the metallic coating. A security document containing the security element is also described.

Abstract: A flash device has a flash tube which generates light in response to electrical energy. The amount of light emitted by the flash tube is monitored by a circuit which is connected to means for adjusting the electrical energy supplied to said flash tube when a predetermined amount of light has been emitted to thereby increase the effective life span of the flash tube and maintain intensity level of the flash tube within a given tolerance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of providing a copy-evident feature to documents and the documents produced thereby. The process allows the printing of a novel security design which is difficult to see with the naked eye when casually inspecting the document, but which will be immediately apparent in a copy if the document is photocopied or transmitted via facsimile.

Abstract: A security thread (11) for use in security articles (10), includes a substrate having a coating on one or both sides thereof, the coating containing a thermochromic material selected from pigments and dyestuffs which changes from coloured to colourless when the temperature of the pigment or dyestuff is changed to the activation temperature. The thermochromic material may be coloured when the temperature is below the activation temperature and become colourless when the material is at the activation temperature or above. The thread (11) is for security paper (10) for use in producing banknotes and the like.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a pocket sized instrument for reliable recognition of authenticity features of banknotes and other security documents. A basic embodiment of the instrument includes an elongated rod with a handle part at one end. The handle part contains the battery housing and the switch and is provided with a clip for facilitating handling. The other end of the rod includes a frontal test part. A banknote can be passed through a slit in the frontal test part and exposed to the enclosed optical elements. Authenticity features of the document become visible through illumination.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imaging device and method for developing, duplicating and printing graphic media. The imaging device of the present invention is utilized in devices such as copiers, printers, game cards and the like, and comprises a substrate bearing an infrared image producing layer, a thermal image forming layer and a light source. A brief but intense flash of visible light from the light source causes latent heat properties of the infrared layer to generate heat and convert visible light into far infrared light. This far infrared light develops or marks portions of the thermal layer which are adjacent the infrared layer.

Abstract: A sheet of paper, plastic or the like on which an image has been formed using a toner that is photochemically decolorizable by absorption of near infrared rays is illuminated with near infrared rays under the state wherein the image is heated to a temperature equal to or higher than the glass-transition temperature of a binding resin of the toner. The color of the toner can thereby be easily and rapidly eliminated. This enables the reuse of the sheet to be realized easily and at a low cost.

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: The invention relates to a security document, in particular a bank note, identity card or the like having a security element which is provided with characters, patterns, etc., visually readable at least in transmitted light and which is electrically conductive and bears additional substances for machine testing, and to a method for producing such a security element. The security element comprises a transparent film strip that bears negative writing readily capable of visual checking and is additionally provided with electrically conductive and magnetic substances.

Abstract: A phase hologram is embossed in a mylar web having a tin tungsten oxide reflective layer deposited upon. The embossed microtexture produces a hologram that is semi-transparent, thereby allowing the visualization of indicia underlying the hologram.

Abstract: A recording target includes targeting information printed on a substrate offset from a visible target and masked from the weapon operator by a thermal clearing masking layer. The operator aims at the visible target and the simulated weapon applies a focussed pulse of intense visible light to the masked targeting information to reveal the relevant targeting information by being converted into infrared radiation, by the thermal clearing masking layer and/or a portion of the masked targeting information thereunder, which clears or renders transparent the portions of the thermal clearing masking layer illuminated by the focussed visible light.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imaging device and method for developing, duplicating and printing graphic media. The imaging device of the present invention is utilized in devices such as copiers, printers, game cards and the like, and comprises a substrate bearing an infrared image producing layer, a thermal image forming layer and a light source. A brief but intense flash of visible light from the light source causes latent heat properties of the infrared layer to generate heat and convert visible light into far infrared light. This far infrared light develops or marks portions of the thermal layer which are adjacent the infrared layer.

Abstract: A multilayer card-shaped data carrier has a layer appearing black in the visible wave range, but transparent or permeable to electromagnetic radiation in the invisible wavelength spectrum outside the wavelengths substantially between about 400 and 700 nanometers. The data carrier also has data markings camouflaged by the black layer produced within or below the black layer by a lasing device, which are likewise detectable by commercial optical readers operating in the invisible wavelength spectrum outside the wavelengths substantially between about 400 and 700 nanometers.

Abstract: A method of forming a franking impression on a mail item and apparatus for forming the franking impression is disclosed. Material which is switchable from one stable state to another stable state by exposure to light of predetermined wavelength is deposited on the mail item while in one state and a selected region of the deposited material is exposed to light of the predetermined wavelength to effect switching of the selected region to the other state and thereby to represent franking or other secure information.

Abstract: A multilayer identity card exhibits an outer color layer of a first color and an inner color layer of a second color to allow for identity cards and the like to be written on in several colors. While the outer color layer absorbs virtually no laser beam light used for writing, the second, inner color layers absorbs the laser light. This causes the material of the second color layer to be thermally broken down during the writing operation, i.e. vaporized, sublimated, exposed to a chemical or physical reaction, so that the formation of pressure and resulting eruption blasts the first layer into particles. This makes the second color layer visible. Instead of the second color layer one can also provide a transparent layer of varnish having suitable properties in order to expose a multicolor security print, for example, below this transparent layer of varnish.

Abstract: A security-printing device comprising: (i) a substrate; (ii) a toner image adhered to said substrate; and, (iii) a layer of an optically variable material adhered solely to said toner image, whereby said optically variable material is selected to provide a distinct visual appearance and is not readily reproducible or readily available in the general market-place.

Abstract: Tickets for concerts, conventions, sports, and like events, have a security feature to assist in preventing counterfeiting. A stretchable security thread is disposed in a piece of paper stock extending so that it intersects, with portions lying on either side of, a line of separation in the piece of paper stock (and/or is parallel to the length of the ticket). The line of separation typically is a perforation. The security thread is a stretchable material, such as polyester, and may have microprinting. When the ticket is detached at the line of separation, the security thread does not initially separate but rather stretches to provide a visual (and tactile) indication between the separated portions of the paper stock before it breaks. Such tickets are produced from a web of material having the security threads, which web is printed, and then cut into sheets for delivery to a customer who then can apply variable printing.

Abstract: A linear array of photodiodes and phototransistors is positioned on opposite sides of currency paper subjected to verification for authenticity under transmitted and reflected light. A logic circuit determines the presence or absence of the security feature and correspondingly provides visual or audible indication thereof. The photodiodes, phototransistors and related circuitry are arranged within an enclosure that is located next to a currency-receiving device such as a cash register. Visual or audible indicators are mounted on the device for immediate indication of the currency verification to the cashier. The arrangement of the photodiodes and phototransistors transverse to the major length of the currency paper detects the security feature while confirming that the security feature is within the currency paper and not on either surface.

Abstract: A method and product resulting from application of the method for making the images in nonreplicable documents. Documents that cannot be replicated by known copying machines or other replicating devices are produced according to the invention method, as well as alternative methods. All of the methods disclosed herein are instructive for making the images and art work on such documents by forming lines into various patterns in a manner imitative of intaglio or gravure printing. The pitch of the lineations is deliberately selected so as to vary minutely from the pitch of the scanning trace of various copying machines such as photocopiers, video opticons, and the like. The variation in pitch may be obtained by deliberately manufacturing the document with the desired pitch or, subsequent to the image placement therein, altering the dimensions or geometry of the document so as to effectively skew the pitch parameter.

Abstract: Structures, including covers, labels, toys and figurines, have fluorescent and phosphorescent materials that emit and reflect light to provide a sense of identity, security, comfort, and amusement. The cover in the form of a blanket has a protective grid of phosphorescent material that when exposed to light and placed in a dark environment emits light for a period of time. The protective grid is a pattern of intersecting ribbons of phosphoresent material anchored to and covering substantially one surface of a fabric. The protective grid provides a visual light shield that creates an image of protection and is useable for amusement and entertainment.

Abstract: The text discloses for use in printing valuable documents an allover pattern of warning indicia which is merged by human sensory perception with its background but is distinguished and reproduced by xerographic copying as a result of the employment of two different screen values for the indicia and the background which are respectively within and beyond the reproductive capability of the copier machine when used in the stated context. Adjunctively, document validating indicia are also printable on such documents in a screen value beyond the reproductive capability of xerographic copiers at the lighter settings at which the lesser screen value used for said warning indicia or background will reproduce.

Abstract: A security paper includes at least two layers of paper each having inner and outer surfaces and predetermined mechanical properties, color and optical density. Authentication indicia is printed on the inner surface of at least one layer. The indicia is formed of a chemically, mechanically and thermally stable medium having a predetermined color, color intensity and optical density. A chemically, mechanically and thermally stable adhesive permanently adheres the inner surfaces of the layers together. The adhesive has a predetermined color and optical density. The color and optical density of the layers, the color, color intensity and optical density of the medium and the color and optical density of the adhesive combine to render the authentication indicia detectable in transmitted light and substantially imperceptible in reflected light.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imaging device and method for developing, duplicating and printing graphic media. The imaging device of the present invention is utilized in devices such as copiers, printers, game cards and the like, and comprises a substrate bearing an infrared image producing layer, a thermal image forming layer and a light source. A brief but intense flash of visible light from the light source causes latent heat properties of the infrared layer to generate heat and convert visible light into far infrared light. This far infrared light develops or marks portions of the thermal layer which are adjacent the infrared layer.

Abstract: An identity card is provided with a character set usable as a printing block, whereby the "natural foamability" that laser action brings about in the plastic materials commonly used for identity cards, such as PVC and polycarbonate, is exploited to obtain a relief height sufficient for a clear impression of the characters. The standard total height of the embossed characters relative to the rest of the card surface is reached by an additional deformation of the card body in the embossed character area so as to form flat plateaus underlying the characters.

Abstract: Voidable articles are made with an identification code and a radiant energy responsive material coated over said code. The material is invisible and remains unactivated in ambient light but obscures the identification code upon being exposed to radiant energies such as heat or light from within a particular wavelength range. Printing can be accomplished by imaging light onto a substrate coated with photosensitive material including an infrared absorbing dye. A cancellation device for voiding documents of the present invention is made with a scanner, a comparator and a radiant energy source for exposing the document to activate the energy responsive material on the document.