Abstract: This invention provides authenticity discriminable printed matter in which a latent image cannot be visually identified under ordinary visible light but appears upon being irradiated with UV rays. A basic image is formed on a base material. The basic image is made of a latent image portion and latent image peripheral portion. The latent image portion and latent image peripheral portion cannot be visually discriminated, and each of them is formed from a set of dots continuously laid out at a predetermined period. The resolution of the dots of the latent image portion is different from that of the dots of the latent image peripheral portion. The latent image portion and latent image peripheral portion have the same percent dot area per unit area and different dot peripheral lengths (contour lengths) per unit area. The latent image portion and latent image peripheral portion are printed by color fluorescent ink, thus obtaining printed matter.

Abstract: A security substrate for a document of value comprises a laminate including a generally transparent core layer and generally transparent outer layers on opposite sides of the core layer. At least one interference filter is embedded within the laminate. The interference filter includes a highly reflective opaque layer on a surface of the core layer and an optically variable thin film multilayer overlying at least a portion of the opaque layer. The interference filter is covered by one of the outer layers.

Abstract: A security document, banknote, bond, travellers check, passport or token, including a substrate (1), said substrate having a device including a first macro-embossing (2, 3) of the substrate having a predetermined feature, and a second micro-embossing of smaller dimensions formed in or on said predetermined feature of said embossing. The first embossing being formed to hide and reveal said second embossing at predetermined viewing angles &agr;, &bgr;. The macro-embossing may comprise lines having a height of about 20 microns and a spacing of 80 microns, and the micro-embossing in the form of lines or dots (4) to a height of about 2 to 5 microns. The lines have a predetermined height (H) and a predetermined spacing (S) such that the ratio S:H is typically from about 6:1 to 2:1.

Abstract: A reflective printed article includes a substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface with a graphic image printed thereon. A reflective or glossy ink layer is printed over the entire top surface of the substrate. A graphic image is printed over the reflective ink layer. The image may cover the entire portion of the reflective layer or only selected portions thereof. The graphic image includes hidden or latent images printed within the graphic image layers. An optional glossy layer of transparent ink may be printed over the graphic image. A textured pattern of lines is printed in sections over the optional glossy layer or graphical image, with each line in the section printed at the same angle or orientation, with the lines of adjacent sections printed at different angles in order to reflect light in different directions to create the illusion of depth, three-dimensionality, hidden images and motion.

Abstract: So that a visually identifiable optical element, in particular a security element for value-bearing documents, for example banknotes, credit cards, passes or cheque documents, or other articles to be safeguarded, comprising a carrier with a diffusely reflecting visible surface and a metallization which is applied in a region-wise manner to the visible surface of the carrier and which has a surface that appears metallically shiny at a glancing angle is improved in such a way that an article provided with the element is even more effectively protected from forgery than is possible with known optical elements, it is proposed that the optical element is so designed that the visible surface of the carrier has two carrier regions with different levels of and in particular diffuse reflectivity for light, wherein a respective sub-region or a plurality of sub-regions of each of the two carrier regions is or are metallized, and that the reflectivity of the metallization in viewing directions outside a glancing angle ra

Abstract: The invention is concerned with security elements for security articles such as banknotes, cheques and the like. The invention further comprises a security element for use with security materials, said element comprising a first layer, to one side of which is applied at least one optically variable device, and on the other side of said first layer are applied indicia, and a thermochromic coating applied over the indicia, wherein the thermochromic coating comprises a thermochromic material which is coloured when the temperature of said thermochromic coating is below an activation temperature, which colour substantially obscures the indicia and enhances the visibility of the optically variable device, and wherein the thermochromic material becomes colourless at or above said activation temperature, to thereby reveal the indicia, and to render the optically variable device substantially invisible in reflected light.

Abstract: Authenticity/security identification consists of an optical marking and an (acoustic/electro)magnetic marking. The optical marking can comprise a hologram. The two identification marks are produced as a single entity during the production in a number of immediately successive steps. During this process a layer of soft magnetic material is provided with an additional layer of metal which contains the hologram.

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 capable of supporting surface charge oscillations and exhibiting a profiled grating, said profile comprising at least two superposed periodic profiles. The surface has applications as radar absorber and authentication devices. Also disclosed is a method of detecting the authenticity of an object comprising providing a surface as described above claim adjacent to or on the object, illuminating said surface with radiation from at least one angle and determining the reflectivity characteristics and comparing this with reflectivity characteristics of a reference surface.

Abstract: A method and system for forming an article having an optical effect is provided. An original texture is obtained which is digitized using a scanner. The scanner causes a shadow effect on the texture based on the scanning direction. The digitized texture is then edited to define a selected shape. The texture within the selected shape is offset such that its direction is changed. The digitized texture is then engraved by a laser onto the surface of an article. The selected shape is then visually distinct from the other areas of the texture at certain viewing angles caused by the difference in their texture direction. With the present invention, lines or seams between areas of the texture are eliminated.

Abstract: In producing a film by printing on a top sheet with non-glossy surface, a first glossy varnish imprint adheres on the surface. A second continuous imprint produced on the first, adheres neither on the top sheet nor on the varnish, and the film is completed. A glossy imprint is thus provided in the film external surface which is then applied on a document to protect it from being reproduced by optical scanning.

Abstract: The invention relates to a document of value consisting of a substrate of predetermined surface area with a printed image visible to the naked eye and a marking in the form of characters, patterns or the like at least partly superimposed on the printed image. The marking is represented by a feature substance having at least one mechanically detectable physical property and extends over the predominant part of the surface of the document. The marking additionally has a given measurable regularity which makes it possible, by mechanical scanning of the marking, to detect the correctness of the distribution and recognize gaps or added partial elements of other authentic documents as disturbances.

Abstract: Proposed is a value-bearing document in which the carrier is provided with a window-like opening which is closed by a cover foil which is transparent at least in a region-wise manner, wherein particularly in the region of the window-like opening, the cover foil can be provided with additional security features, for example diffraction structures.

Abstract: An item with a surface area creating an optical effect is such that the surface area with the optical effect exhibits at least two images (12, 14) separated a distance (d) from each other by means of a transparent layer of material (10). The distance (d) between the images 12, 14) and the distance (a) between two neighboring elements (16) forming the images (12, 14) are adjusted with respect to each other such that on altering the viewing angle (&agr;) the perceived overall image formed by the overlapping of the images (12, 14) is altered. A preferred application for the item lies in forms of packaging, packaging material, an aid to packaging, bonds or entry tickets with forgery-proof surface area and/or surface areas that have to meet high demands.

Abstract: A process for producing any photoluminescent printed polychromatic image (8), and the image obtained thereby. At least one set of at least three monochromatic filtered images (6a, 6b, 6c) is prepared from any original polychromatic image (1) visible in visible light which is filtered with a spectral pass-band below or equal to 15 nm, according to at least three wavelengths of fundamental colors equal to the wavelengths of the luminescent pigments used, with the corresponding monochromatic filtered images (6a, 6b, 6c), in order to print separately, one above the other, three monochromatic printed images (8a, 8b, 8c). The invention concerns the image obtained, a protective device and a document carrying such an image.

Abstract: Variable confidential information (12) is printed over scrambling pattern (14) which is formed of thermochromatic ink. Information (12) cannot be read due to the presence of the underlying scrambling pattern. The information becomes readable when heat is applied to the thermochromatic ink and the optical properties of the thermochromatic ink are altered.

Abstract: A security element in the form of a thread or strip to be embedded in security documents such as bank notes, checks, bonds, identity cards, credit cards or the like, having characters, patterns, etc., that are readable by transmitted light to the naked eye and/or by machine. The security element consists of a transparent plastic film having an opaque coating extending over the element with blank areas in the form of the characters and patterns to be introduced. The security element also contains, in areas congruent with the blank areas, coloring and/or luminescent substances which cause the characters and/or patterns to differ from the security document and from the opaque coating by color contrast under suitable light conditions.

Abstract: A security document (1), such as a bank note, is formed from a sheet-like substrate (10) of clear plastic material with layers (13, 14, 15, 16) of opacifying ink applied to the surfaces (11, 12) of the substrate (10). The security document (1) includes a security device (20) which is at least partially obscured by the layers (13, 14) of opacifying ink on a flat surface (11) of the substrate (10). The layers (15, 16) on the second surface (12) of the substrate (10) are applied in such a manner so as to leave a “half-window” area uncovered by opacifying ink through which the security device (20) is visible for one side of the document (1). The security device (20) may extend transversely outside the half-window area and be visible in transmission, enabling a different contrasting effect to be observed from both sides of the document.

Abstract: A security document (1), such as a bank note, is formed from a sheet-like substrate (10) of clear plastic material with layers (13, 14, 15, 16) of opacifying ink applied to the surfaces (11, 12) of the substrate (10). The security document (1) includes a security device (20) which is at least partially obscured by the layers (13, 14) of opacifying ink on a flat surface (11) of the substrate (10). The layers (15, 16) on the second surface (12) of the substrate (10) are applied in such a manner so as to leave a “half-window” area uncovered by opacifying ink through which the security device (20) is visible for one side of the document (1). The security device (20) may extend transversely outside the half-window area and be visible in transmission, enabling a different contrasting effect to be observed from both sides of the document.

Abstract: A printed matter such as an advertisement material is provided. The printed matter includes a printing layer provided on a base plate and having various colors printed thereon such that half-tone dots of the respective colors are printed and overlap at a predetermined portion. A projection layer made of transparent epoxy resin or ultraviolet resin for covering only a particular portion of the printing layer intended to be emphasized, is formed on the printing layer. Also, a plurality of hemispherical protrusions made of transparent ultraviolet resin is formed on the projection layer using a screen printing method. The respective colors of the printing layer disposed beneath the hemispherical protrusions are refracted at different refraction angles to then be visually perceived. Thus, the colors, which are not visually perceived by naked eye, are made visible, thereby providing a three-dimensional effect to the printing layer.

Abstract: An optical security article has a substrate with printed information and an optical security coating adhered to the substrate over the printed information. The security coating contains engraved optical elements which cannot be readily duplicated. The coating has adhesive characteristics whereby it is temporarily adhered to the substrate to resist accidental removal or peeling off, while permitting the coating to be scratched or scraped off to reveal the underlying information.

Abstract: Proposed is a value-bearing document in which the carrier is provided with a window-like opening which is closed by a cover foil which is transparent at least in a region-wise manner, wherein in particular in the region of the window-like opening the cover foil can be provided with additional security features, for example diffraction structures.

Abstract: A diffractive anti-counterfeiting tag structure with capabilities of naked-eye inspection and machine inspection and its method of manufacture. The anti-counterfeiting tag structure has a naked-eye inspection component and a machine inspection non-grating diffractive component. The naked-eye inspection component and the non-grating diffractive component are formed on separate mold-boards and then joined together to form a mold-board using a board-joining technique. Alternatively, a plurality of naked-eye inspection blocks and a plurality of non-grating diffractive blocks are randomly mixed together to form a pixel-like diffractive anti-counterfeiting tag.

Abstract: A package and a process is provided for packaging a perishable product and providing a tamperproof visible date code on the resultant package. The process includes the steps of providing form, fill and seal package making process equipment; and providing to that equipment a supply of plastic film in strip form having opposed first and second lateral edges and a thermally sealable side. A date code is printed adjacent to the first edge on the sealable side. The film is then conveyed through a folding device to cause the printed date code to be overlaid by the opposite or second lateral edge of the plastic film. The lateral edges of the film are then thermally sealed together with the second edge overlying the imprinted area thereby forming a tube. The tube is then formed into a series of individual packages which are filled with the perishable product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security device having at least one plastic layer and one specularly reflecting metal layer. An inorganic auxiliary layer is disposed between the plastic layer and the metal layer.

Abstract: A surface pattern comprises microscopically fine relief structures that diffract visible light. When the surface pattern is illuminated perpendicularly with white light, the surface pattern appears with bright and dark regions from a first viewing direction. The length and/or position and/or number of bright and dark regions changes as the viewing angle changes. Preferably, the contour of the surface pattern is selected so that the length or position of the bright regions changes markedly when the viewing angle changes.

Abstract: A commercial product has a label to help detect counterfeit ones of the product. The product includes an item having commercial value and a label adhered to the item. The label includes a printable substrate having first and second sides, indicia on the first side that is visible with illumination by visible light and that is of a nature to inform customers or potential customers about the item. Adhesive on the second side causes the label to adhere to the item, and printing on the second side is visible only upon upon illumination by electromagnetic waves outside of the visible light spectrum and is of a nature to indicate genuineness of the label and thereby to indicate genuineness of the item.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a printed matter in which it is difficult to confirm an image in the state before the image appears, and by scratching the print surface with a coin a brilliant image appears. On a print substrate, an image of a ink composition containing a material having a greater hardness than that of the metal of a coin or medal, and a print layer having a contrast with respect to the print substrate or the image are printed. By effectively using human visual recognition characteristics, the print layer having a contrast is recognized very strongly, so that the masking effect and the effect of attention occur. This makes it difficult to recognize what image is printed not only when the printed matter is seen from front, but also when it is seen sidewise. Thus, even if light is shed on the printed matter, the image cannot be seen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a document to be protected against forgery comprising a security feature in the form of a perforation pattern, wherein the perforation pattern extends over a surface of the document and represents an image comprising brightness tones. The perforation pattern is herein formed such that, for instance when the thus treated document is held up to the light or placed on a light box, an image becomes visible at the location of the perforation pattern. It will be apparent that arrangement of such an image representing brightness tones requires extremely advanced technologies. Such technologies are not easily accessible to potential forgers, so that documents thus provided with such a perforation pattern are very difficult to forge. The perforation pattern is preferably applied by means of laser light.

Abstract: In producing a film by printing on a top sheet with non-glossy surface, a first glossy varnish imprint adheres on the surface. A second continuous imprint produced on the first, adheres neither on the top sheet nor on the varnish, and the film is completed. A glossy imprint is thus provided in the film external surface which is then applied on a document to protect it from being reproduced by optical scanning.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system comprising a series of data carriers, in particular identity cards, papers of value or the like, whereby the data carriers belonging to the system exhibit diffraction structures containing standard information and parts of the series are changed by additional measures in the area of the diffraction structures or combined with other elements and they differ from the rest of the series in optically recognizable fashion, whereby the change in the diffraction structures and/or the combination with other elements convey an esthetic overall impression and the change and/or combination with the other elements cannot be undone without destruction of the diffraction structures.

Abstract: A tape data carrier for protecting articles and documents from counterfeiting and copying is formed by a polymer structure including at least one polymer layer of which at least one layer has at least one of through-perforations and pits. These through-perforations and pits are preferably between 0.001 &mgr;m and 20 &mgr;m in size and can be filled with different materials. The data carriers can carry concealed and visible macro-and micro- images created by heavy-ion bombardment of the polymer film, subsequent exposure of the bombarded film to ultraviolet radiation, and etching of the polymer film in a solvent. A device for manufacturing a data carrier of this type includes the following elements configured in series: a heavy ion source; a heavy ion beam-formation system; an ion guide; a three-dimensional amplitude modulation unit; and a target which is destined to become the data carrier.

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: The invention relates to a security document with a security element having at least a first layer with gaps in the form of characters or patterns or the like, and a discontinuous magnetic layer in the form of a coding disposed below said first layer. In the areas where the gaps and the magnetic layer overlap, the gaps are also present in the magnetic layer. The invention further relates to a security element and to methods for producing said element and the document.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security marking label for a transparent support such as the windshield of a motor vehicle. The label comprises information specific to the marked support. The label is comprised of a complex formed of two superimposed elements between which is interleaved a marking element, at least one of said elements having a layer appropriate to provide for the binding of the transparent support and at least one of said elements comprising a diffraction network.

Abstract: A latent image structure of a highly secure nature in which two latent image are superimposed. Each of the superimposed latent images is viewable from a different line of sight. Relief elements define, for each latent image, portions of respective linear relief structures providing an image and a background which cooperate to generate the latent image. Relief elements are only provided at locations where the linear relief structures of the first and second latent images intersect. The resultant latent image structure, when viewed normally, has the advantage of a relatively flat appearance, making it difficult to discern the presence either of the superimposed latent images.

Abstract: A data carrier with an optically variable structure is described having an embossed screen which is combined with a coating contrasting with the surface of the data carrier in such a way that different optically variable effects occur at different angles. Embossed screen and/or coating are executed in such a way that especially striking or additional effects occur which are suitable for determining the authenticity of the data carrier but cannot be reproduced, or reproduced true to the original, with the help of copying machines.

Abstract: Laser labels comprising: a) at least one polymer layer; b) a self-adhesive composition coated on one side of said at least one polymer layer; c) a printing ink applied by printing between said self-adhesive composition and said at least one polymer layer; and d) optionally a release paper or release film covering said self-adhesive composition; are useful for anti-counterfeit marking. The printing ink can be printed on the polymer layer before the self-adhesive composition is applied to the polymer layer.

Abstract: A security document with optically excitable dyes for authenticity checking. Dyes are applied to or embedded in the security documents. The dyes are advantageously embedded in a carrier material which in conjunction with the dyes forms a laser-active element. Certain optically excitable dyes are incorporated in a security document in such a way that when the security and/or sensitive document is optically excited, the dyes embedded in the security and/or sensitive document resonate with the material of the securities and secure documents, so that a well-defined narrow spectrum of all excited materials is emitted.

Abstract: A substrate is arranged to provide at least one optically variable image the substrate has a front surface formed with a plurality of groups of elemental areas, the different said groups of elemental areas corresponding to respective pixels of the image. The different elemental areas of each group are formed with respective sets of grooves or ridges, where the grooves and ridges of different elemental areas of each group are disposed at different orientations in the different elemental areas, such that each elemental area directs light to a viewer from a respective angle of view. For any given angle of view, the image seen by the viewer is made up of light reflected or refracted without interference.

Abstract: Unauthorized alteration of a document can be avoided in a secure document that includes a substrate (10) defining the body of the document. Indicia (24, 26, 30, 32, 36 and 40) located on the substrate (10) designate an area (42) to receive variable information by an impression. The variable information is that whose alteration is to be avoided. A chemical, carbonless imaging system (44) is disposed on the substrate (10) at the area (42) and is operative to form a visible image upon receipt of an impression and a transparent film (46) is located on the substrate (10) to cover the area (42). As a consequence of the construction, any attempt to alter an image appearing on the film (46) will be apparent from the original imaging of the chemical carbonless imaging system (44) or by smudging thereof indicating an alteration attempt.

Abstract: A security print contains a background pattern formed for example of dots or lines. An object, for example the text “BEWARE OF FORGERY”, is worked into this regular background pattern for copy protection. The text is worked in by the individual lines of the background pattern being split at the places where the text is located into two partial lines which are each only about half as wide as the original line. With the naked eye this split of the background pattern components is not, or barely, recognizable. When such an original security print is copied on a conventional copying machine the original, relatively wide lines of the background pattern appear on the copy but the partial lines formed by the split thereof are not, or very poorly, copied so that the text “BEWARE OF FORGERY” appears clearly in the copy.

Abstract: A product authentication system and method employs a unique mark that is simple and cost-effective to apply and read, but provides several layers of protection, including anti-counterfeit and anti-diversion, against counterfeiters. The unique mark includes a bar code that is printed in invisible ink comprising a UV or near-IR ink and an IR mark. The first layer of protection is invisibility. The second layer of protection is the bar code itself. The third layer of protection is the presence of the IR mark in the unique mark. The fourth layer of protection is the IR emitting characteristics of the IR mark.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security element for security paper for banknotes and the like having both aesthetic and anti-counterfeitable qualities. The invention comprises a security element for wholly or partially embedding in security paper comprising an elongate strip of a light transmitting polymeric substrate. The substrate bears a reflective metallic layer on at least one surface thereof in the form of a design. The design comprises at least one repeating geometric pattern of which one of more of the frequency, instantaneous amplitude and/or maximum amplitude of the pattern varies along the length of the element and design having at least one non-linear boundary.

Abstract: An anti-copy layer or film for documents that is substantially transparent to the legitimate user, comprising a multiplicity of small fragments of spectral material embedded within an optically clear coating, wherein multi-angular illumination of the fragments by a copy apparatus generates sufficient amounts of visual noise in a copy as to prevent true-copy replication of the documents.

Abstract: A data carrier with an optically variable element. The optically variable element includes a first structured print which is overlaid with a second print, at least in partial areas. The second print is applied to a document with an ink which contains an optically variable pigment having little or no body color of its own.

Abstract: A security document or token such as a banknote is provided which has a transparent portion of plastics material which includes a security device. The region surrounding the transparent portion and preferably all the remaining part of the banknote is printed with indicia. The security device includes regions of embossed lines extending at different angles to each other defining different shapes that are visible to a greater or lesser extent upon transmission and reflection of light as the note is tilted, rotated or viewed from different angles relative to the light source. The embossed lines in some of the regions are finer than coarser and deeper and more widely spaced lines in the other regions. The coarser, deeper lines are of such a thickness and width as to be detectable by touch in addition to being visible by the naked eye.

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 information storage medium has a base portion and a code storage portion. The code storage portion is disposed on the base portion and contains an infrared absorber which absorbs substantially only infrared rays within a narrow wavelength band. If a real information storage medium is produced like that, subject mediums are judged real or not by a method includes the steps of emitting rays to the subject medium, receiving rays reflected from the subject medium, detecting a first reflectance at the peak absorption wavelength and a second reflectance at a comparison wavelength near the peak wavelength, and judging if the subject medium is real or not. The rays at the comparison wavelength are not very much absorbed by the absorber.

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 &mgr;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.