Abstract: The invention relates to a data carrier (1) with a data carrier structure (2) in which a module (9) with a plate-shaped component carrier (10) and a component (13) attached to the inside of the component carrier (10) is used, and with a plate-shaped hologram carrier (30) provided on the data carrier (1) and showing a hologram (33) by way of the main surface (31) visible from outside the data carrier (1). The invention provides that the plate-shaped hologram carrier (30) be provided on the data carrier to be covering the plate-shaped component carrier (10), and covers at least substantially the component carrier (10).

Abstract: A textured pattern including raised lines, bumps, etc. is formed of ink on a front surface of a base sheet. A layer of reflective monochrome or holographic roll leafing is formed over the textured pattern such that the surface of the leafing follows that of the pattern to simulate embossing. An ink image is formed over the front surface of the sheet in an area not occupied by the roll leafing, and an additional ink image can be formed over at least part of the roll leafing. A protective transparent layer is formed over the leafing and ink image. The base sheet can be transparent, and a reflective layer can be formed on a rear surface of the sheet to reflect light back through the sheet and transparent portions of the ink image. Alternatively, the base sheet can be opaque, and an additional ink image can be formed on the rear surface of the sheet.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical disc provided with a watermark inside, which is visible with naked eyes from a reproduction side of the optical disc, and the producing method and the production apparatus thereof. The optical disc comprises a transparent substrate having an information signal recorded surface, a reflective layer formed on the information signal recorded surface thereof, an adhesive layer formed on the reflective layer, a mask layer on the adhesive layer and a transparent dummy substrate on the mask layer stacked in this order. The adhesive layer is made of an adhesive of which curing speed is changed according to a controlled amount of radiation of ultraviolet rays. The watermark is recorded in the optical disc by irradiating the ultraviolet rays on the adhesive through the mask layer provided with light shielding members to cause the adhesive to be cured by controlling a curing speed of the adhesive corresponding to existence or nonexistence of the light shielding members.

Abstract: A document of value such as a banknote comprises a substrate having a security feature in or on one region of the substrate. The security feature has at least one machine authenticatable high security entity (HSE) and at least one further machine authenticatable entity comprising a low security entity (LSE) or a high security entity, the at least two entites providing different detectable characteristics. The or each HSE is an homogeneous mixture of at least two components exhibiting different detectable characteristics, and the LSE is a single component exhibiting a detectable characteristic different from those exhibited by the HSE.

Abstract: The invention concerns a conditioning arrangement for a product such as a food product equipped with a theft-proof marking device characterized by the fact that the theft-proof marking device is incorporated into the structure of the conditioning material during the manufacturing of said material. The invention also concerns a product contained in such conditioning as well as a process for theft-proof marking of a product in which a theft-proof marking device is incorporated into the product conditioning material during the manufacturing of that material. This applies more particularly to the theft-proof marking of products intended for distribution trade and for the manufacturing of conditioning materials.

Abstract: A decal having a body of readily tearable material and a reflective material first face has first, toner, indicia on the first face circumscribing a first area, and second indicia outside of the first area. A protective substantially transparent plastic (e.g. acrylic or polyester) thin (e.g. about 0.001-0.002 inches) film substantially covers the first indicia (and has an area not greater than about 130% of the first area) and protects the first indicia but does not significantly increase the tear resistance of the decal body. The protective film is held to the decal with an aggressive adhesive so that the decal will tear if removable of the protective film is attempted. The protective film may be applied either manually or automatically, and the decal is part of a business form (e.g. a mailer type business form) which has toner indicia on it substantially identical to the first indicia, imaged at substantially the same time using a laser printer.

Abstract: An optically decodable security document is provided comprising a security image area defined on a face of the document. The security image area is divided into a plurality of image element cells defining an array of image element cells across the security image area. The image element cells define first and second diagonal axes and a cell center positioned at the intersection of the first and second diagonal axes. A first type of printed tiling element is printed in selected ones of the image element cells to define a printed security image within the security image area. A second type of printed tiling element is printed in selected ones of the image element cells to define a printed complementary security image within the security image area.

Abstract: A decorative construction 10 for attachment to a vertical surface wherein the decorative construction 10 includes a main image unit 11 comprising a generally elongated rectangular sheet of decorative paper 20 and a plurality of holographic image units 12 adapted to be operatively associated with the front face 23 of the sheet of decorative paper 20.

Abstract: A reflective layer is formed on a front surface of a cardboard or other base sheet. An at least partially transparent printed image is formed on the reflective layer. A first textured pattern which provides the illusion of depth is formed on at least part of the printed image, and a protective transparent layer is formed over the textured pattern and image. A second textured pattern which provides a tactile texture feeling is formed on at least part of the transparent layer. The textured patterns can be formed as thick ink layers, or alternatively by embossing to provide convex or concave shapes. An additional image and protective transparent layer can be formed on a back surface of the base sheet.

Abstract: A security document and its method of preparation are provided wherein a security image area on the face of the document is designated. The security image area comprises a two-dimensional array of security image blocks. Security image elements and the complementary security image elements in respective security image blocks are arranged such that the security image element and the complementary security image element portions occupy respective first and second percentages of each of the security image blocks to define respective characteristic relative occupation values (CROVs) for each security image block. The respective CROVs are substantially equivalent among a plurality of the security image blocks. A target CROV is established.

Abstract: A security device comprises a substrate (1) having a viewing region (3) which is provided on one side with first indicia (7) and on the other side with second indicia (9) overlying the first indicia. The substrate carries an obscuring material (10) aligned with the second indicia (9) so as to prevent at least the second indicia from being viewed from the one side of the substrate under reflected radiation. The substrate is sufficiently transparent while the obscuring material permits the passage of sufficient transmitted radiation to allow the second indicia (9) to be viewed from the one side of the substrate under transmission conditions.

Abstract: A security packaging incorporates security features as an integral part thereof. A blank made from a substantially rigid material incorporates at least one repeatedly verifiable authenticating security feature which cannot be separated from the material without causing damage to it. The security feature may comprise a multilayer laminate.

Abstract: A business document contains a removable decal. The decal has a plastic substrate overlaid with a reflective coating including an aluminum coating and glass beads. A toner receptor coating overlies the reflective coating. A fine screen pattern is printed on the toner coating and which pattern may include jagged lines or closely spaced dots. Variable and non-variable information is then printed on the toner receptive coating. In the event of use of a solvent to alter the printed information on the decal, the fine printed screen pattern is likewise disrupted and evidences alteration of the decal.

Abstract: A security document is prepared by designating specialized tiling elements to be printed in selected image element cells across the face of the document. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method of preparing a security document is provided comprising the steps of: (i) designating a security image area on a face of a document; (ii) dividing the security image area into a plurality of image element cells, such that the image element cells define an array of image element cells across the security image area; and (iii) designating respective printed tiling elements to be printed in selected ones of the image element cells to define a printed security image and a printed complementary security image within the security image area. Individual ones of the respective printed tiling elements comprise printed units positioned within the respective image element cells.

Abstract: A playing cards security system for detecting when additional playing cards are added to a deck of playing cards. The system includes a deck of playing cards where each playing card of the deck of playing cards has predetermined indicia provided thereon. The predetermined indicia of the each of the playing cards is the same as the predetermined indicia of the other playing cards of the deck of playing cards. The predetermined indicia is viewable under ultra-violet light and hidden from view under ambient light.

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: A reflective article has a multilayer film covering a patterned retroreflective layer. In one embodiment the patterned retroreflective layer includes a separate indicia layer covering a retroreflective substrate. The indicia are substantially hidden under normal viewing conditions but easily detectable under retroreflective lighting conditions. Various types of retroreflective layers are disclosed. The article can also include microstructured relief patterns which produce holographic images under ambient lighting but which disappear under retroreflective conditions. The multilayer film includes alternating layers of at least a first and second polymer, and has a relatively high reflectivity for normally incident light within a first spectral range which is approximately coextensive with the visible spectrum, and a relatively low reflectance for normally incident light within a second spectral range.

Abstract: Optical arrangements are provided by which observers of flat containers or display boxes, such as compact disc (CD) jewel boxes, can be presented with different information about the contents of the box when looking at one of its surfaces from different angular perspectives. Advantageously, parallax effects are compensated where the size of the observable images and the viewing distance create undesirable visual artifacts. Horizontally and vertically oriented lenticulated panels are used in combination with interlaced images to convey the differently coded views without the need for physically manipulating such boxes as in the past to see equivalent information. Compliant inserts preferably provide the information content of the various views and are adapted for use with industry automated insert machinery while being self aligning with the lenticulated panels.

Abstract: A fluorescent substance of the following general formula:Ln.sub.X A.sub.1-X PO.sub.4wherein Ln represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Nd, Yb and Er; A represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Y, La, Gd, Bi, Ce, Lu, In and Tb; and X represents a value within the range of 0.01 to 0.99.

Abstract: A security document or token such as a banknote (40) is provided which has a transparent portion (42) of plastics material which includes a security device (50). The region (44) surrounding the transparent portion (42) and preferably all the remaining part of the banknote (40) is printed with indicia. The security device (50) includes regions (52, 54, 56 and 58) 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 a light source. The embossed lines in some of the regions (52 and 54) are finer than coarser and deeper and more widely spaced lines in the other regions (56 and 58). The coarser, deeper lines are of such a thickness and width to be detected by touch in addition to being visible by the naked eye.

Abstract: Diffractive indicia for a surface (1) comprising a plurality of small separate diffractive elements (2) and means for a adhering the diffractive elements to the surface. Each diffractive element has a diffractive surface relief structure and is not separately resolvable to the human eye. The appearance of the diffractive indicia, when applied to the surface, changes when the viewing angle and/or angle of illumination relative to the surface changes. In preferred arrangements, the diffractive indicia, are incorporated in an ink or a transfer medium. A palette of diffractive indicia with different characteristic colours and other optical properties may be provided.

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: The present invention relates to a document with counterfeit- and forgery-preventing means particularly for valued papers and the like, which comprise a sheet-like element having, on at least one face, a graphic marking that is visible in reflected light. The particularity of the invention resides in the fact that it comprises at least one variation in the thickness of said sheet-like element which provides a graphic representation that can be viewed against the light and is complementary with respect to the at least one graphic marking.

Abstract: A security document is provided comprising a substrate having a top surface for carrying indicia. The top surface has a plurality of areas. Each of the areas contains background printed matter on the top surface. The background printed matter made up of a pattern of background elements. Each of the areas also contains a security term printed on the top surface of the substrate. The security term is composed of a pattern of security term elements. The background elements and/or the security term elements differ in element size, shape, angle, density, and/or frequency between adjacent areas. Also, within each of the areas either the background elements or the security term elements are not readily duplicated by a color copier while the remaining elements in the area are readily duplicated by a color copier. This results in a visually perceptible security term being produced upon copying of the security document.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composite image arrangement, comprising a pattern and a further pattern, substantially parallel to the first pattern, each comprising a plurality of visually contrasting regions, the patterns being in fixed positions relative one to the other on either side of a light transmissive lamina.

Abstract: A method and system for providing specialized contacts for electronic information on a smart card in the pattern of a source identifier and such that a machine may contact and read the information upon placement of the card in a reading device. The contact points for reading information on the card are formed by etching a substrate attached to the logic element of the smart card. The etching allows both the foreground and the background of an image, in two selected colors, to be included within the contact area of the smart card, with the foreground constituting the conductor and the background the resist.

Abstract: A method for producing a validation mark on security paper includes printing the mark on the paper using an ink that has the same color as the paper but which has more uniform directional reflectance than the sheet of paper. That is, the dried ink is a more uniform diffuse reflector than is the paper. When the mark is illuminated by a light source located on one side of the mark, the mark appears lighter than the paper around it when viewed from the same side as the light source, but the mark appears darker than the paper around it when viewed from the side opposite the light source. An exemplary formulation is given.

Abstract: A security device includes two plastic layers and a metal layer. The plastic layers may be embossed or surface cast with contrasting surface relief diffraction patterns. A second metal layer may be provided including a pattern of voids through which the first metal layer may be seen by a human observer.

Abstract: A data carrier with an optically variable element has a layer regularly reflecting incident light and including interruptions. A diffusely scattering layer is disposed on the regularly reflecting layer so as to be visible through at least one interruption to provide at least one optically recognizable marking based on the differences in the reflectivities of the two layers at different viewing angles.

Abstract: In order to improve a structure arrangement comprising a plurality of portions having a relief structure with an optical-diffraction effect, in particular for visually identifiable optical security elements for value-bearing documents, for example banknotes, credit cards, passes or cheque documents, or other articles to be safeguarded, with a first group of portions with a first structure having an optical-diffraction effect, which first group is disposed on a surface region of the structure arrangement, and at least one further group of portions with a further structure which has an optical-diffraction effect and which is different from the first structure, in such a way that a given item of information can be imparted to a viewer of the structure arrangement with a high level of intensity and uniformly over the entire extent of a preselected viewing angle range, it is proposed that the structure of the portions of the first and the at least one further group respectively is such that, upon illumination of t

Abstract: An article, and method for making the same, including a film of reflective material, a textured pattern associated with the one surface of the film such that the film substantially conforms to the textured pattern, and an ink design forming an image associated with the other surface of the film.

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: An information carrier is in the form of a composite laminate with a first, a second and a third layer having refractive indices n3, n4, n5 respectively. The second layer forms structures by only partially covering the first layer. The third layer covers over the second layer or the first layer in direct contact therewith. The surface on the first layer has surface elements with first and second diffraction structures which produce a visually verifiable authenticity feature or which serve for reading out the information contained in the structures formed by the second layer. The refractive indices n4 and n5 are substantially real in the visible range and therefore the second and third layers are transparent. The differences .vertline.n4-n3.vertline. and .vertline.n5-n3.vertline. are greater than 0.2 over large parts of the visible range so that the first diffraction structures produce visible diffraction effects independently of the structures formed by the second layer.

Abstract: A viewing device to aid in authenticating an optical surface. The device includes a laser diode which produces a beam of light. The device includes a viewing screen which receives a diffracted image produced by the beam illuminating the surface. The device further includes a lens system which causes the diffracted beam to be focused on the viewing screen.

Abstract: A method is provided for creating artwork which comprises a second image which is located in direct overlying relation to a first image. In particular, the method includes providing a first image such as a print, having a first reflective quality. A substantially transparent coating, having a reflectivity substantially different than the reflectivity of the first image, is selectively disposed over the first image. The method provides artwork having a first image visible through the transparent coating which is used to create the second image. A separate reflected image is created as a result of the differences in reflective characteristics between the first and second images.

Abstract: A security device includes a holographic image observable in ambient light and through which a covert image is observable in a focussed beam of bright light, such as a flash light. The holographic image is coated with a metal layer of low optical density, while the covert image is produced by a metal layer of high optical density disposed away from an observer relative to the holographic image. The covert image may itself be amplified by positioning the high optical density layer on a layer of micro prisms.

Abstract: A plastic card provided with a magnetic stripe, which is very difficult to forge or alter and, even tough subjected to forgery or alteration, enables the forgery or alteration to be easily detected in appearance. The plastic card includes a card substrate and a hologram-magnetic stripe including, provided on said card substrate in the following order, an adhesive layer, a first magnetic recording layer, a second magnetic recording layer, a transparent continuous thin film layer and a hologram forming layer. The first magnetic recording layer and the second magnetic recording layer are such that one of the magnetic recording layers has a coercive force at least twice as high as the other magnetic layer and a Curie point at least 100.degree. C. below the other magnetic layer and, when the magnetic recording layers are heated at a temperature in the range of from the lower Curie point to 30.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention provides a pigment composition comprising a pigment having adsorbed on its surface, or as a physical mixture, up to 10% by weight, based on the total weight of pigment composition of a coding compound which is a compound containing an azo, azomethine or polycyclic chromophore and which has an absorption spectrum and a Raman spectrum different from that of the pigment. The compositions are suitable for use in printing inks for security applications.

Abstract: A security element for the authentication of a substrate has a pattern comprising optical diffraction elements which are embossed in a carrier material of plastic material and unembossed neutral areas. On the embossing side of the carrier material a reflecting layer covers only surfaces with relief structures of the diffraction elements while the neutral areas which lie between are free of the reflecting layer and are therefore non-reflecting. If the security element is stuck in the form of a stamp onto the substrate and the carrier material is transparent, image portions, which are covered by the stamp, of a feature on the substrate can be discerned through the neutral areas.

Abstract: An original document includes alphanumeric characters defined by an overprinted reflective layer formed on a complex patterned region, and having graphic or font size, shape and type coordinated to the particular patterns in the patterned region. The coordination of the overprinted reflective layer with the patterned region is such that if the document is electronically scanned or duplicated by xerographic photocopying, the pattern will at least partially obscure the alphanumeric characters so that they can only be read with difficulty, thereby camouflaging the text.

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: A method for producing a validation mark on security paper includes printing the mark on the paper using an ink that has the same color as the paper but which has more uniform directional reflectance than the sheet of paper. That is, the dried ink is a more uniform diffuse reflector than is the paper. When the mark is illuminated by a light source located on one side of the mark, the mark appears lighter than the paper around it when viewed from the same side as the light source, but the mark appears darker than the paper around it when viewed from the side opposite the light source. An exemplary formulation is given.

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: A means of identification or document of value which includes a paper or polymer region, in particular, bank notes, passports, identification cards or any other document of sufficient value to make it liable to be copied or counterfeited, includes a watermark in the region and a liquid crystal material applied to the region and to at least a part of the watermark to produce optical effects which differ when viewed in transmitted and reflected light.

Abstract: A security device for identifying products includes a printing medium in which luminescent agents are dispersed and having at least one opaque part disposed on at least one luminescent part of the medium. The opaque part is the same color as the luminescent part and has at least one contour of a different color. When illuminated by predetermined radiation in the non-visible spectrum, the device shows an image different than that observed in ordinary light.

Abstract: A document capable of providing multiple colors under the application of heat comprising a support having at least one surface bearing a first coating comprising a substantially colorless, heat activatable chromogenic composition capable of producing a first color under the application of heat, and a second coating comprising a localized coating of a substantially colorless, heat activatable chromogenic composition capable of producing a second color under the application of heat. Each chromogenic composition comprises a chromogenic compound and a color developer that are substantially colorless solids in physical contact prior to reaction, but which can chemically react to produce a visible colored image by application of heat at temperatures above room temperature. Under the application of heat from a thermal printer, by quickly striking the chromogenic composition with a fingernail or blunt object to produce frictional heat, or other heat application, multicolored images are provided.

Abstract: A document capable of providing multiple colors under the application of heat comprising a support having at least one surface bearing a first coating comprising a substantially colorless, heat activatable chromogenic composition capable of producing a first color under the application of heat, and a second coating comprising a localized coating of a substantially colorless, heat activatable chromogenic composition capable of producing a second color under the application of heat. Each chromogenic composition comprises a chromogenic compound and a color developer that are substantially colorless solids in physical contact prior to reaction, but which can chemically react to produce a visible colored image by application of heat at temperatures above room temperature. Under the application of heat from a thermal printer, by quickly striking the chromogenic composition with a fingernail or blunt object to produce frictional heat, or other heat application, multicolored images are provided.

Abstract: The pharmacy label comprises top and bottom stock faces having pressure-sensitive adhesive and a release liner along one side. The labels are supplied in sheet form for passing through a printer and have die cut areas to provide a reduced width portion in the top face. The bottom face includes cold spot carbon for transferring an image. After printing, the individual labels can be separated from the sheet and the release liner pulled away from the top part and a portion of the bottom part down to a perforation line, exposing adhesive on the bottom part for application of the label to a container.

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 anti-counterfeit latent image formation object for bills, bank notes, security papers, credit cards, passports, valuable printing matters, and the like including a main body, a plurality of projections and/or recesses formed on the main body in such a manner as to exhibit various kinds of patterns, in which the various kinds of patterns include straight image lines forming a pattern, a relief pattern, or a combination of the pattern and the relief pattern; a plurality of straight lines printed on at least one surface of the main body at predetermined intervals, the straight lines being printed in a different color from that of the main body itself. The patterns consisting of letters, figures, etc. can be visually recognized only when the anti-counterfeit latent image formation object is viewed from an adequate angle. A method for making the anti-counterfeit latent image formation object is also disclosed.