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 dot code recorded on an information recording medium consists of a data code corresponding to the contents of multimedia information to be reproduced, and a pattern code for determining a read reference point for the data code. The pattern code consists of pattern dots arranged at predetermined positions with respect to the data code, and markers arranged at predetermined positions with respect to the pattern dots and used to detect the pattern dots. In an information reproduction system for optically reading and reproducing a dot code from an information recording medium on which such a dot code is recorded, the dot code is imaged by an image input section. A data read reference point determining section then recognizes the pattern code from the picked-up image, and determines a data read reference point for reading the data code. A data reading section reads the data code on the basis of the data read reference point determined by the data read reference point determining section.

Abstract: A media for restricting the copying of a document utilizing one or more microdots that are embedded in said document for providing a non-visual, but machine detectable mark or marks. The detected means for detecting the presence of one or more microdots in said document inhibits a copy machine from copying the document.

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: The two symmetrical halves of halftone shapes that have a central axis of symmetry are selectively intensity modulated for accenting human readable information that is embedded in halftone patterns that are composed of halftone cells having fill patterns conforming to such shapes. This human readable information is defined by clustering these halftone fill patterns so that their accented portions visually blend to form alphanumeric character shapes.

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: The drawing has a background (10) composed of at least a first region and a second region juxtaposed. Each of said regions comprises its own geometrical drawing so that the first region has a color density which is stronger than that of the second region, said second region forming a pattern. An overprint (20) corresponding to said overprint is printed over the second region, said overprint (20) comprising geometrical drawings different than that of said second region and in a color chosen to compensate the difference of color density between said regions, so that the safety drawing appears uniform and with no pattern to the naked eye, but said pattern is clearly brought out and in another color than that of the first region on a photocopy of the safety drawing.

Abstract: A media for restricting the copying of a document utilizing one or more microdots that are embedded in said document for providing a non-visual, but machine detectable mark or marks. The detected means for detecting the presence of one or more microdots in said document inhibits a copy machine from copying the document.

Abstract: A protected/security document is provided that foils counterfeiting even if a laser photocopy machine (such as a Canon 500 color copier) is utilized. The document has at least three discrete half-tone printed bands disposed on its surface, provided by dots or lines. Each printed band has a different screen density and within each bands the dots or lines comprise a warning word or symbol (e.g. "Void"), or a background. The dots or lines of either the "Void" or background drop out when photocopied, while the dots or lines of the other do not. The dots or lines that do not drop out may be dimensioned so that there are about 24-34 per centimeter, while for those that do drop out there are about 52-64 per centimeter. The bands are typically arranged either linearly or in concentric circles, and interband areas having density gradually transitioning between the densities of adjacent bands are provided.

Abstract: A color-negative photographic print medium for restricting the copying of an image in the medium utilizing a pattern of removable color-subtractive microdots depth-wise positioned anywhere within a transparent protective overcoat and a support layer which supports at least one image-forming layer is disclosed. The microdots are undetectable by the unaided eye, but detectable by copying machines programmed to prevent copying when microdots are detected.

Abstract: A holographic anti-imitation method and device is provided, which can prevent a creative graphic design from unauthorized reproduction. The holographic anti-imitation method and device provides the creative graphic design as a hidden pattern in a synthesized image formed in a hologram that can be viewed only through a special viewing device. This allows the creative graphic design to be highly difficult to be reproduced by infringing parties. The synthesized image includes a background pattern visible to naked eyes and a hidden pattern merged into the background pattern which is invisible to the naked eyes. The hologram can be a dot-matrix hologram which is formed through laser means that generates two interfering laser beams to form a dot-matrix pattern of the synthesized image in the hologram. The hidden pattern can be viewed only through a special viewing device, such as a lenticular or a grate-like piece.

Abstract: New method and apparatus for authenticating security documents such as banknotes, passports, etc. which may be printed on any support, including transparent synthetic materials and traditional opaque materials such as paper. The invention is based on moire patterns occuring between superposed dot-screens. By using a specially designed basic screen and master screen, where at least the basic screen is comprised in the document, a moire intensity profile of a chosen shape becomes visible in their superposition, thereby allowing the authentication of the document. If a microlens array is used as a master screen, the document comprising the basic screen may be printed on an opaque reflective support, thereby enabling the visualization of the moire intensity profile by reflection. Different variants of the invention are disclosed, some of which are specially adapted for use as covert features.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems and articles of manufacture for creating and authenticating self-verifying articles. Self-verifying articles include, for example, commercial instruments (i.e., notes, drafts, checks, bearer paper, etc.), transaction cards (i.e., ATM cards, calling cards, credit cards, etc.), personal identification documents (i.e., driver's licenses, passports, personal identification papers, etc.) and labels affixed to package surfaces for identification of the package owner or sender, which, for example, may be used for verifying imported goods by customs agents. Self-verifying article creation includes receiving recipient-specific data, encoding a first selected subset of the recipient-specific data and fixing the encoded subset along with other human-recognizable data on a surface of an article.

Abstract: The invention relates to a carrier representing value provided with recognizable pattern, for instance in the form of giro checks, bankchecks, banknotes, shares, bonds and other documents representing a value, wherein the patterns are formed by parts treated by means of a laser beam. This object is reached in that the patterns have been provided by means of a laser light beam. The use of a laser beam makes it possible to apply particularly fine structures which either cannot be applied with other treating methods, or only with the greatest financial effort. The use of laser beams enables variation of the width or depth of the channels or perforations which is almost impossible with other treating methods.

Abstract: A security document is provided comprising a substrate having a top surface for carrying printed indicia. Background printed matter is printed on the top surface. The background printed matter is made up of a pattern of background elements. A security term is also printed on the top surface of the substrate. The security term is composed of a pattern of security term elements. The background elements or the security term elements, or both, are organized in a non-orthogonal, repetitive pattern. Also, either the background elements or the security term elements are not readily duplicated by a color copier while the other elements are readily duplicated by a color copier. This results in a visually perceptible security term being produced upon a copy of the security document. The security document is "imaging friendly.

Abstract: A security document is provided comprising human readable transaction data, a plurality of security image elements, a plurality of complementary security image elements, and an encoded information block comprising a plurality of digital glyphs printed thereon. The human readable transaction data printed on the top surface of the substrate forms a full tone image and includes an enhanced security data item. The security image elements printed on the top surface of the substrate and the plurality of complementary security image elements printed on the top surface of the substrate define a security image. The encoded information block comprises a plurality of digital glyphs printed on the top surface of the substrate and comprises encoded transaction data corresponding to at least a portion of the human readable transaction data.

Abstract: A marker detecting section detects markers formed at four corners of a block using binary image data of a two-dimensional code stored in a data memory. A marker's approximate center calculating section calculates the approximate centers of the detected markers. A pattern code detecting means detects a pattern code in accordance with format information of the two-dimensional code stored in a format memory. A marker's real center calculating section calculates the real centers of the markers from the detected pattern code and the format information using the error minimizing method. Based on the calculated real centers of the markers, a data code reading coordinate calculating section calculates reading coordinates for reading data dots of address code and data code areas from the data memory.

Abstract: A media for restricting the copying of a document utilizing one or more microdots that are embedded in said document for providing a non-visual, but machine detectable mark or marks. The detected means for detecting the presence of one or more microdots in said document inhibits a copy machine from copying the document.

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

Abstract: A system for restricting the copying of a color-reversal document having one or more microdots embedded in the color-reversal document. The system of detecting the presence of one or more of the embedded microdots and controllably disabling a copy machine to prevent it from copying the color-reversal document when at least one microdot is detected.

Abstract: A marker detecting section detects markers formed at four corners of a block using binary image data of a two-dimensional code stored in a data memory. A marker's approximate center calculating section calculates the approximate centers of the detected markers. A pattern code detecting means detects a pattern code in accordance with format information of the two-dimensional code stored in a format memory. A marker's real center calculating section calculates the real centers of the markers from the detected pattern code and the format information using the error minimizing method. Based on the calculated real centers of the markers, a data code reading coordinate calculating section calculates reading coordinates for reading data dots of address code and data code areas from the data memory.

Abstract: A media for restricting the copying of a document utilizing one or more microdots that are embedded in said document for providing a non-visual, but machine detectable mark or marks. The detected means for detecting the presence of one or more microdots in said document inhibits a copy machine from copying the document.

Abstract: A media for restricting the copying of a document utilizing one or more microdots that are embedded in said document for providing a non-visual, but machine detectable mark or marks. The detected means for detecting the presence of one or more microdots in said document inhibits a copy machine from copying the document.

Abstract: A paper substrate is laminated with a metalized layer forming a mirrored surface. A partially transparent black diffraction grating is applied by stochastic screening to the mirrored surface. The diffraction grating forms a frequency modulated pattern from selected geometric shapes. Information, such as alphanumeric indicia or graphics, is printed on the stochastic screen to thus form a reflective diffraction device which is printable in a conventional manner while inhibiting reproduction of the printed information by conventional techniques, including black and white and color photo-reproduction and facsimile machines. The partially transparent black stochastic screen forms a diffraction grating on the metalized layer so that when illuminated from the light source of either a specular or diffuse illumination-type photocopier, random interference patterns of light occur at the interface of the metalized surface and the stochastic screen.

Abstract: A document that resists copying by ordinary color copiers and color scanners. An area that is printed with color dots using a gradient print screen that exceeds resolutions available on commonly available color copiers and color scanners. The area may therefore comprise lighter regions (having fewer screen lines per inch) and darker regions (having more screen lines per inch). Multiple colors may be printed with different gradient print screens, and regions which are darker or lighter for a first color may or may not be darker or lighter for a second color. The document may also comprise a second area that is printed with a moire pattern. The moire pattern may be generated by adjusting an angle between a pair of print screens, such as a pair of gradient print screens. A set of colors for printing may avoid common printing ink colors, may prefer yellow, light green, or light blue, and may avoid red, purple, or violet, to raise the difficulty in copying by color copiers or color scanners.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for storing large amount of digital data into the color halftone micro-dots generated by high resolution color laser or ink jet printers or lithography on a substrate, such as paper. A data cell composed of color halftone micro-dots is encoded with multi-bit digital binary data. The size of the data cell is determined by the resolution of the color printer and the color scanner, the density of the cyan, yellow, magenta and black inks and the reflectance of the red, green and blue lights, in order to meet the requirement of decoding the multi-bit binary data with enough noise immunity. Collections of data cells in a two-dimensional matrix forms a data block. The data block is enclosed with an exterior data cell border with pre-determined data pattern and is used to determine the spacing of the data cell, the orientation of the data block and reflectance of the data cells during scanning and data reconstruction.

Abstract: A method and product for making non-reproducible documents, in which a nearly invisible indicia on the document is printed by continuous screened lines of a desired pitch, and a background that will not reproduce by copying that is formed by orthogonal reproduction of positive/negative images of continuous lines to produce broken lines of a desired width and pitch.

Abstract: A net of parallel lines is generated with the aid of a computer. The ratio of the width to the spacing of two consecutive lines is equal to r.sub.o. The spacing and width of the lines are successively modulated such that their ratio is equal to r.sub.o. Subsequently, the straight lines can if so chosen be transformed into differently shaped lines or the width of the strokes can be altered in order to reproduce geometrical or artistic images.

Abstract: A media for restricting the copying of a color-reversal document utilizing one or more microdots that are embedded in the color-reversal document for providing a non-visual, but machine detectable signal. By detecting the presence of one or more microdots in the color-reversal document, a copy machine is controllably prevented from copying the color-reversal document.

Abstract: Alternative benday patterns for cards and tickets and methods of producing such patterns are disclosed. The alternative patterns enhance the effectiveness of conventional devices by avoiding use of rotating print cylinders, with fixed repeats, in their creation. The attendant reduction in, or elimination of, benday repetition inhibits vertical ticket splitting and other manner of compromise. Desired images, including play indicia, promotional content, or both, can also be visibly encoded in the benday patterns, if desired.

Abstract: Several techniques to acquire a counterfeit proof security document. The invention includes improvements for use with non-replicable image line frequency techniques, as well as stand-along printing techniques, that exhibit electro-optical copy and photographic copy frustration characteristics such as experiences with use of color-graduated (tonally graded) substrates, blooming or flaring print patterns, pixel differentiation of discrete indicia and combinations of these with certain printing ink (or) varnish under/overcoat.

Abstract: A group of measured fields (as well as a process for providing them and using them) is provided for determining color data of a printed product, especially for collecting quality data in the rotary offset printing of single editions, with a plurality of measured fields, which are printed on a printed product to be checked or on a primary print in such a way that they can be optically scanned, the group of measured fields includes a superprinted, at their nominal degrees of surface coverage (F.sub.c1, F.sub.m1, F.sub.y1), first combination measured field (1), including the fundamental colors, especially the three colors cyan, magenta and yellow, and printed additional single-color half-tone fields, in the fundamental colors, wherein the single-color half-tone fields have, in their corresponding fundamental color, a degree of surface coverage F.sub.c1, F.sub.m1, F.sub.y1 that corresponds to that of the same color in the first combination measured field (1).

Abstract: Optical machine readable code symbols for marking objects, preferably recyclable plastic bottles, are so constructed that they possess an axis of symmetry. The code symbols can additionally be rotated by predetermined angles from a basic configuration in order to be able to represent a plurality of information pieces. The symmetric code symbols are easily recognized and evaluated under difficult conditions such as exist, for example, in a bottle filling operation.

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

Abstract: A document that is substantially copy proof even using modern digital color copiers may also be constructed so that it is scanner and image friendly. The document includes at least first through fourth areas each having colored background lines at a first angle and colored VOID lines at a second angle, the second angle being at least 20.degree. different than the first angle, but not 70.degree.-110.degree. or 160.degree.-200.degree. different. At least one of the first and second angles for each of the areas is at least about 10.degree. different than the first and second angles for the other areas. Substantially all of the background and VOID lines have a black content of at least 15% and a density of between about 7-22%. For scanner and image friendly documents the density must be between about 10-12%. All of the lines in the areas have an average maximum line width variation of about 0.0005 inches. The background and VOID lines typically all have a frequency of between about 97-103 lines per inch.

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 stamp (1) is disclosed which has a luminescent coating (9, 11) which over the area of the coating is such that there are a plurality of coated spaced regions interspersed with non-coated regions. The coating may be applied as a grid or cross hatching or other suitable arrangement. The coating is applied over an area which is of sufficient size relative to the thickness and density of the coating to permit the coating to be detected by a postage stamp luminescence detection device. The non-coated regions over which the coating extends being of sufficient area to permit penetration and drying of a stamp cancelling ink. A method of producing such stamp is also disclosed.

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.

Abstract: A data reading apparatus reads data of dots from a recording sheet on which data is recorded in the form of a mesh pattern, and decodes the read data into binary data. The data reading apparatus has an image sensor to read black/white levels of dots of the mesh pattern using the image sensor and to binarize the read levels by a hardware component or CPU processing according to software. An image can have a high recording density by minimizing a dot size.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing the security of a check or negotiable document and deterring the generation of copies of the check or negotiable document. The signature area of a document is imprinted with a pantographic background design different from a pantographic background design covering the remainder of the face of a check. A warning clause describes the color and/or background of the signature area. The endorsement area of a document is also imprinted with a pantographic background design. A warning clause describes the color and/or background of the endorsement area. The endorsement area background may further include a representation of the watermark certification seal to aid an individual in more quickly determining whether the proper watermark seal exist on the check or negotiable document.

Abstract: Improvements in product and production codes and methods for reading same. In one form a bar code is provided wherein one or more of the individual bars of the code are printed or otherwise formed with coded information recorded therein. The bars may be made of printed matter and either divided into code defining segments or voids therein defining readable auxiliary information. In another form, the bars may be printed of magnetic recording material containing magnetic recordings therein of readable auxiliary information. The auxiliary information may be read when the bars are scanned for their coded information or without scanning the bars for the bar code. Reading may be by scanning a path or paths extending normal or oblique to the bars or in a direction parallel to or longitudinally along one or more of the bars to provided substantial additional information, if needed.

Abstract: A system for reading two-dimensional code marks on an article includes a camera for imaging the marks and signal processing means coupled to the camera for processing information contained in the marks. The article bears code marks in a fixed-size marking zone on the article surface. Each of the code marks has a pattern of light and dark areas. The code marks are arranged in a matrix patterned unit block; the matrix may be a single row or column as well as rectangular or truncated rectangular. The unit block includes at least one position code which in turn includes code marks denoting an address code, a start code, an end code, and a line feed code. The code marks are preferably each a block of four squares, with each square being bisected by a respective diagonal line to form two triangles. Each triangle in a square may be differently colored (light or dark).

Abstract: Holographic flake pigments, processes for making the pigments, decorative coatings comprising the pigments, and articles comprising the decorative coatings are disclosed. The pigment comprises particles that (1) comprise an organic polymer and further comprise one or more volume phase holograms; and (2) have a thickness of about 1 micrometer to about 100 micrometers, an average diameter of about 10 micrometers to about 300 micrometers, and a thickness to diameter ratio of about 1:2 to about 1:60.

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

Abstract: A security device includes first and second diffractive structures contained within a surface relief structure. The structures are such that the device responds to illumination at a first, visible wavelength to generate a first, visible pattern while any pattern generated by the second structure is not substantially visible at that wavelength, and the device responds to illumination at a second wavelength substantially different from the first wavelength to generate a second pattern suitable for machine reading while any pattern generated by the first structure is substantially suppressed relative to the machine readable pattern at that wavelength.

Abstract: A copy indicating security device includes at least one symbol defined by a first arrangement of print elements, the or each symbol being provided in a background defined by a second arrangement of print elements. Under normal viewing conditions the security device presents a substantially flat tint to the eye. The first and second arrangements of print elements differ from one another so that on copying the device at least one of the symbols is revealed. The perimeter of the or each symbol is generally irregular.

Abstract: By combining raised image lines having a color the same or similar to that of a substrate to be printed, and lines having a color different from that of the raised image lines, there is provided a latent image printed matter which can be prevented from being counterfeited and falsified and with which false and true can be easily distinguished. By printing lines having a different color from that of the raised image lines, there can be provided a printed matter in which letters, figures, etc. can be visually recognized only when viewed in a particular direction.

Abstract: A composite microdot fabricated form a microdot and at least one composite layer. The composite layer is selected to impart to the composite microdot at least one of the characteristics of enhanced visibility, camouflage, buoyancy control, magnetic attraction, and controlled biodegradation. A second composite layer may also be applied to the microdot. A coating may also be selectively applied to the composite microdot, the coating having at least one of the features of being waterproof, water repellant, hydrophilic, soluble and opaque.

Abstract: A printed document, such as a lottery ticket, includes a thermochromic layer at least over the imprinted data region. The printed document can be authenticated by applying heat to the thermochromic material and observing the presence or absence of a reversible color change.