Abstract: An anti-counterfeiting medium includes a recording medium, a polarizer layer arranged on a part of the recording medium. The polarizer layer is formed thereon with a low extinction-ratio area that forms an image portion where a polarizer exhibits an extinction ratio lower than in a portion other than the low extinction-ratio area of the polarizer layer. The recording medium is formed thereon with an image portion that is a part of the recording medium and has a nature different from that of a portion other than the part of the recording medium.

Abstract: An anti-counterfeit label includes an anti-counterfeit information layer and a first regionalized polarization film formed on the anti-counterfeit information layer. The first regionalized polarization film has at least two distinct polarization directions. The anti-counterfeit label further includes a second regionalized polarization film. The second regionalized polarization film is used to cover the first regionalized polarization film. The second regionalized polarization film is configured to be combined with the first regionalized polarization film to display the unique encrypted information in the anti-counterfeit information layer. Therefore, the identifiability of the anti-counterfeit label is improved and, in the meantime, the anti-counterfeit label becomes more secured.

Abstract: A product comprising a patterned optically anisotropic layer having two or more regions of different birefringence in the form of a pattern, which further comprises a semi-transmissive-half-reflective layer having a transmittance of 30% or higher and a reflectance of 30% or higher is provided. The product permits visualization of a latent image in the product through a polarizing plate as well as visualization of the information on the side opposite to the side to be viewed from.

Abstract: The present invention relates to printing inks for the intaglio printing process, also referred to as engraved steel die printing process. In particular, oxidatively curing inks comprising a combination of fusible wax and a UV curing binder component are disclosed. These inks can be printed on a standard printing press, and, through a short UV irradiation after printing, allow to significantly reduce or eliminate the undesired set-off which can occur after printing and stacking the printed sheets. Using the inks of the present invention results in less set-off contaminated printed sheets, allowing for a higher pile-stacking of the printed good, for the use of increased engraving depths, of a more challenging intaglio design, and for the printing on less porous substrates, while enabling the printing on a standard printing press, and offering the possibility of using a lower printing plate temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a security element (30) for securing valuable articles, having a first layer (13), composed of cholesteric liquid crystal material, that is present at least in some areas, a second layer (14), composed of liquid crystal material, that is present at least in some areas, and a further layer (22), having a machine-readable feature, that is present at least in some areas and that is covered at least in some areas by the first and second layer composed of liquid crystal material.

Abstract: Provided is a surface film for a polarizing plate in which transparent patterns having a non-visible light reflective regularity are printed on a surface of a substrate and in which a reflection preventive layer or an antiglare layer is formed thereon or on a back side thereof, wherein an ink constituting the above transparent patterns contains a material reflecting a non-visible light. Capable of being provided is a surface film which can suitably be used for providing additional informations to an image display medium in such a manner that data are input by handwriting directly on a display device and in which the function described above is built-in from the beginning without making it necessary for the user to stick later a sheet having the above function.

Abstract: An identification medium is to be observed via a linearly polarizing filter and includes a first liquid crystal layer that changes the wavelength of light according to the rotational angle of the linearly polarizing filter, a cholesteric liquid crystal layer, and a light absorbing layer that is provided below the cholesteric liquid crystal layer.

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

Abstract: Unique labels for security or identification purposes, methods of making the labels and uses for the labels are described herein. The label is formed from one or more crystalline materials, optionally in combination with a non-crystalline material, or from a combination of polymers, and has a unique, detectable pattern. In one embodiment, the label is formed from a crystalline material, preferably a metallic material, which naturally contains a unique grain structure, with unique reflective properties. In a preferred embodiment, the label is formed of a metallic material that has been recrystallized to enlarge the size of the grains so that they are visible to the unaided human eye.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an authenticity indicator that cannot be easily forged, that is clearly distinguishable, and that can be elaborately designed. An authenticity indicator 101 is in the form of a sheet and can be checked for its authenticity by observing the light reflected from it. The authenticity indicator comprises a first reflective layer 12 comprising a reflective area 12a that reflects specified light, and a second reflective layer 15 that reflects specified light. The reflective area of the first reflective layer has a cholesteric liquid crystalline structure. The second reflective layer comprises a volume hologram.

Abstract: The invention relates to a value document, such as a banknote (1), which includes one or more window zones (2A, 2B) with one for example optically active element each which rotates a polarization plane P0 of polarized light LA, LB, penetrating the window zone by a defined angle. If such value documents are stacked and polarized light penetrates the superimposed window zones, the number of stacked value documents can be determined by way of the overall rotation of the polarization plane PA, PB. The overall nominal value of a stack of banknotes can thus be determined. The window zones can have category-specific rotational characteristics for different categories or nominal values and/or can be disposed in category-specific positions in the valuable document.

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

Abstract: The invention concerns a film, in particular an embossing film, a laminating film or a sticker film, and an optical security element. The film has a carrier layer and a replication layer. The film also has a layer of a liquid crystal material, which is applied to the replication layer. A diffractive structure is embossed into the surface of the replication layer, which is towards the layer of a liquid crystal material, for orientation of the liquid crystal material, said diffractive structure having at least two partial regions with different directions of orientation of the embossed structure.

Abstract: An optical component contains two or more hidden images for authentication and antiforgery purposes. The images are successively revealed and concealed when the optical component is held between two polarisers and one of them is rotated. The optical component comprises one or more optical retarder(s) in which the images are embedded in separate adjacent stripes or areas, each image being associated with a different mode of interaction with polarised light. Instead of two polarisers, one will suffice if the component is mounted on a reflector.

Abstract: The present invention provides a discrimination medium A for discriminating the authenticity of an article by providing an optically discriminating mark on the article. A film 20 having a light reflecting layer of a polymer cholesteric liquid crystal having a circular polarization light selectivity for reflecting a specific circular polarization light is fixed to a part of the surface of a support 10. A printed portion is made by printing on the portions other than the film 20 of the support 10 in substantially the same color as that shown when the film 20 is viewed from the front. The discrimination medium A appears to be red at the support 10 and the film 20 when viewed from the front (although the film has a metallic luster), but at a larger viewing angle, the film 20 changes to blue by the blue-shift of the polymer cholesteric liquid crystal so as to exhibit a color different from that of the support 10.

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 invention relates to a document of value such as a paper of value or ID card with a security element having an optically variable material. Said optically variable material conveys different color effects at different viewing angles. Additionally, the security element has at least one machine-readable feature substance that does not impair the visually visible optically variable effect of the optically variable material.

Abstract: A reading arrangement includes at least one linear detector arrangement which is arranged in parallel relationship above a reading plane and behind an optical imaging element and is oriented on to a reading region of the reading plane, lighting devices and an evaluation unit and serves for machine reading of an information strip with optically encoded information. The light which is scattered or diffracted out of the reading region in which the information strip to be read off by machine is disposed into the optical imaging element is so projected on to the photosensitive faces of the detector arrangement that an image of the reading region is formed. The detector arrangement produces two detector signals and from a comparison of the detector signals, the read information is determined and its authenticity verified.

Abstract: The anti-counterfeit method of the invention conceals an authentication pattern in a retarder by means of specific treatments that achieve different phase retardation on the retarder. To authenticate the authentication pattern, the invention provides an identification system that can produce and filter polarized light projected through the retarder to display the authentication pattern. To improve protection against counterfeits, the invention further conceals the authentication pattern in a plurality of retarders that must be assembled with one another to display the authentication pattern. One retarder carrying a part of the authentication pattern and the polarizer can be therefore incorporated within the identification system to achieve a more effective anti-counterfeit effect.

Abstract: In order to provide comprehensive and multi-purpose security, an optical security device comprises a substrate (10), and at least a first optically structured layer (14) which is such as to provide first, second and third optical inspection levels, namely a first inspection level (2) where a first optical property can be discerned with the naked eye, a second level (4) in which an object can be discerned with the aid of an optical inspection tool (26), and a third level (6) in which an encrypted object can be discerned with a decrypting optical inspection tool (20). The first layer (14) is constructed as a retarder plate of LCP material, having an array of elemental areas having different predetermined orientations.

Abstract: An organic or organoelement, linear or branched, monomeric or polymeric composition of matter having a Raman-active component in the form of particles. The particles having a maximum dimension of 50 &mgr;m. The Raman-active compound is applied to a substrate. When the Raman-active compound is exposed to a laser light wavelength which is batochromically well beyond a spectral region of maximum absorbance of said Raman-active compound, Raman scattering can be detected.

Abstract: A surface pattern (1) is composed of elements (2 to 5) which are arranged in a mosaic-like fashion and of which at least one pattern is formed from a background element (4) and a pixel (2) with microscopically fine relief structures diffracting visible light. The surface elements (3) and the element portions (5) either contain the microscopically fine relief structures diffracting visible light or they comprise reflecting or scattering surfaces. Arranged in the pixel (2) is a first diffraction grating B1 and arranged in the background element (4) is a second diffraction grating B2, wherein the first diffraction grating B1 and the second diffraction grating B2 are a superimposition of at least two different, microscopically fine relief structures F1 and F2 diffracting visible light. The first diffraction grating B1 and the second diffraction grating B2 differ only by virtue of a relative phase shift &Dgr;&phgr; between the relief structure F1 and the relief structure F2.

Abstract: In a first aspect this invention provides a security article comprising an electrically actuated optical switch comprised of a liquid crystal material. In one embodiment the liquid crystal material is disposed in a layer of polymer dispersed liquid crystal material. In a second embodiment the liquid crystal material is micro-encapsulated with an orientable dye. In a second aspect this invention provides a document or currency that comprises a paper matrix that includes at least one security article, i.e. a security thread. In a third aspect this invention provides a device for verifying an authenticity of a document or currency of a type that includes at least one security article, i.e. at least one security thread. The at least one security thread includes the liquid crystal material having a visual characteristic that is switched between two states as a function of a presence or absence of an electric field between first and second electrodes.

Abstract: A variable color print of an image includes a reflective image medium including a plurality of different, locally colored, image regions; a first plurality of repeated changes in reflective angle of the image medium which extend in a first direction and are parallel to each other in a second direction transverse to the first direction; each locally colored image region including at least one local color medium disposed on the reflective medium; each local color medium includes at least one color sequence, each sequence extending in the second direction and including at least two different color variations; and each color variation is aligned with the repeated changes in reflective angle such that the repeated changes in reflective angle selectively prevent viewing of at least one of the color variations and selectively highlight at least one of the color variations at different viewing angles to generate changes in color of the locally colored image regions as the viewing angle changes.

Abstract: An authenticatable product includes a non-opaque latent image layer of polymer material treated so as to contain at least one region having anisotropic optical properties such that, when viewed directly, the at least one region is indistinguishable from the remainder of the latent image layer and, under polarized visualization, the at least one region is distinguished readily from the remainder of the latent image layer. The latent image layer may be supplemented with visible information, a reflective layer, a quarterwave plate, a polarizer, or may be part of a more complex multi-layer structure. The product may be used in a wide range of authentification applications. Also described is a method for producing such a latent image including steps of photoactivation, selective exposure and processing/fixing of the image.

Abstract: A card is disclosed that incorporates a removable scratch-off coating to hide printed symbols. The card is constructed so that the scratch-off coating is selectively retained by the card, in the form of symbols, or as a background for symbols, when the scratch-off coating is removed. The selective retention of scratch-off coating material to the card is accomplished by incorporating into the card, between the substrate and the scratch-off coating, a clear release coat patterned to form symbols. When the scratch-off coating material is applied to the card during construction, it either adheres directly to the substrate in the form of symbols, or it adheres to the substrate in the background for the symbols, depending on how the release coat is applied. When a player rubs the scratch-off coating material, it releases from the release coat and remains adhered to the substrate to create either symbols or the background for symbols.

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: A pressure and heat-sensitive composition comprising chromogen-containing pressure-rupturable microcapsules and heat-sensitive color developer useful for verification of document authenticity system when applied as a localized coating on documents, such as checks and prescriptions. Quickly striking the chromogenic composition with a fingernail or blunt object to generate pressure and heat in the coating produces a colored image by friction. The chromogenic composition possesses a fugitive characteristic, whereby the colored image gradually disappears and can be made to reappear when the chromogenic coating is again subjected to external pressure and heat. This feature can be used for repeated verification of the authenticity of the document.

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: Provided is a system for identifying the authenticity of an article which is reliable, and would not restrict the freedom of design. An identification region is defined on the article for identification purpose. The identification region comprises a light reflecting layer which is adapted to transmit visible light and reflect light of a certain wavelength other outside the visible light band with a certain diffractive property. Therefore, the identification region is hardly visible to human eyes, and this not only discourages an attempt to counterfeit the identification region but also would not affect the external appearance of the article. Further, the visible light which has passed through the reflecting layer and reflected by the surface of the article itself or an underlying layer is prevented from reaching the light detecting device so that spurious noises which may disturb the identification process can be eliminated.

Abstract: For the purpose of identifying the authenticity of an article, an incident detecting light beam having a certain wave length and a polarization plane extending in a certain direction is projected from a light emitting element, and the plane of polarization of this incident light is rotated by 90.degree. as it impinges upon and reflected by an identification region having a specific reflective directivity owing to its diffractive property, and the reflected linearly polarized light is received by a light receiving element which is capable of recognizing the diffractive property via a polarization filter oriented so as to receive only the light having a plane of polarization perpendicular to that of the incident light.

Abstract: The invention is a document security system characterized by a data substrate having photographic or printed information on a base print, and also having a personalized polarization-altering overlay sealed to the base print and encoded with additional coded information readable under the influence of a polarizing viewer. The low-security information, such as name, social security, account number and photograph, are printed on a card to form the base print. Additional information of greater security, which may be a bar code or alphanumeric characters, is imprinted in the polarization-altering overlay by an appropriate physical process, such as radiation exposure or thermal, chemical or mechanical treatment, which optically modifies localized regions of the overlay.

Abstract: Printed matters are disclosed, which are printed with the coloring ink that is able to do the short-time fading at which time the color is losen of itself in a relatively short time after once having developed color by interacting with the coloring assistant containing the pH-adjusting agent which loses effect with the passage of time due to the volatility or the desiccation, and further that is able to redevelop color and repeat the above-mentioned short-time fading each time when the above-mentioned coloring assistant is made to act thereon a plural number of times; and which printed matters are suitably used for printing invisibly, for example, the spaces for answers being to stand abreast of the visibly printed spaces for questions in question books.

Abstract: Information in binary form is stored in a planar array or mosaic of light-polarizing cells, wherein each cell may have two distinct orientations of the axis of polarization. For example, binary "1" may be denoted by setting the axis of polarization in any cell to the vertical, and binary "0" by setting the axis to horizontal. Binary data so stored are invisible to the naked eye, but will become visible as a pattern of light and dark spots when viewed through a second polarizer. A unique property of light-polarizing mosaics is that when two such mosaics are laid one atop the other in precise registration, the resulting visible pattern of light and dark spots portrays the modulo-two sum (also known as the "exclusive or" product) of the two sets of binary information stored therein.

Abstract: A transparent overlay that can protect a document from tampering has a transparent cover sheet, a layer of hot-melt adhesive over one surface of the transparent cover sheet, and a polymeric image-receiving layer over the exposed face of said hot-melt adhesive layer. The transparent cover sheet can be a simple thermoplastic film but preferably is retroreflective sheeting which can bear a pattern or legend that is noticeable only when viewed retroreflectively. When the polymeric image-receiving layer is dye-receptive, it can be imaged by using a thermal printing head with a dye-donor element. A preferred polymeric image-receiving layer that is dye-receptive is chlorinated poly(vinylchloride).

Abstract: A light-polarizing element for use in a security document to permit authentication of the security document includes an intermediate layer of water-absorbing polymer material laminated between two outer layers of transparent material. The intermediate layer contains polarizing crystals that are absorbed in the intermediate layer and that are oriented in a predetermined direction through mechanical stretching. The two outer layers are sealed to one another in a liquid-tight manner along their longitudinal edges.

Abstract: An optically-readable identity card has an inner core layer of material which inhibits light from the optical reader from passing through the body of the card. The inner core material is a plastic vinyl colored either black, gold, silver or any metallic color.

Abstract: A document security article is disclosed in which a light polarizing element is contained within a flexible sheet element. A region of the light polarizing element is exposed at a window at both faces of the sheet element and optionally at a further window at one face of the sheet element. Folding the article to align the windows produces cross polarization between the exposed regions of the light polarizing element.

Abstract: There is disclosed a tamper-free identification system, such as an ID card, comprising an information-bearing substrate made of a flexible but substantially rigid material, a partial light reflector superposed over said substrate which produces a substantially nondepolarizing light reflection, and a substantially transparent 90.degree. retarder superposed over said reflector. Said identification card can be manufactured at low cost using techniques known in the art, and with the aid of a simple and inexpensive analyzer such as a linear light polarizer, fraudulent alternations of the identification card can readily be detected.