Abstract: A security-enhanced document includes a substrate and variable indicia comprising ink having a signal. The variable indicia is of a specific type and is applied to the substrate using a specific application technique. At least one other printed portion, which is a back of the document, has background ink noise, and the type of ink of the back of the document is of the same type of ink applied to the substrate using the same application technique as the ink of the variable indicia. The document also includes a scratch-off-coating applied over the variable indicia. The document has a signal-to-noise ratio of the ink of the variable indicia relative to the background ink noise of the back of the document that is not appreciable, thereby making the variable indicia unreadable with reference to the back of the document when the scratch-off-coating remains intact.

Abstract: Methods and systems to synthesize information from multiple discrete and unrelated documents, and from the synthesized information verify the identity of an individual to a high degree of trust are described. Information is adaptively synthesized from varied documents, and through generation of document confidence scores. Enrollment requirements for a trusted identification are evaluated in a real-time environment. The enrollment requirements may represent a minimum level of documentation required to sufficiently verify an individual's true identity in order to permit issuance of the trusted identification. Once sufficient documentation has been obtained and validated to meet or exceed enrollment requirements, the documentation (including any original source copies of any documentation) is securely submitted to the trusted identification issuing authority.

Abstract: A security device is disclosed that has an image formed upon a substrate. The image has a first printed region and a second different printed region both printed with a same ink formulation of field alignable flakes. At least one of the printed regions has optically variable effects. One of the first and second printed regions at least partially surrounds the other. The second printed region is formed of thin parallel lines and the first printed region has substantially wider lines than are printed in the second printed region. The area density of the ink in a line in the first group of wider lines is greater than the area density of a line in the second group of narrower lines. A surprising effect of this image is that particles or flakes in the ink are field aligned so as to produce a visible kinematic dynamic effect visible in the first region and not visible in the second region when the image is tilted or rotated.

Abstract: A display element including a layer with a protrusion-recess structure and a multilayer film layer disposed on the protrusion-recess structure and with a surface shape following the protrusion-recess structure. A pattern formed by the protrusion includes a plurality of shape elements when the protrusion-recess structure is viewed in a direction perpendicular to the surface. Each shape element has a length extending in one extending direction, larger than a length in a width direction perpendicular to the extending direction. The length in the width direction is equal to or less than a sub-wavelength. A standard deviation of the length in the extending direction is larger than a standard deviation of the length in the width direction. The display elements include a first display element and a second display element. The extending directions of the first display element and the second display element are different from each other.

Abstract: Methods and systems for rendering a transparent pantograph pattern. A background path and a foreground path for a pantograph pattern can be determined. An intersection internal to the background path and external to foreground path that is to be marked can be defined. Areas to be masked can be defined with respect to the pantograph pattern. The pantograph pattern can be then rendered as a transparent vector pattern pantograph by writing a background based on the background path and a foreground based on the foreground path and the areas defined as masked.

Abstract: A color bar code which comprises: a first code block, comprising: a header region, comprising a plurality of header color bars having at least two color kinds forming a first specific color sequence; and a code region, comprising a plurality of code color bars forming a second specific color sequence, wherein the first color sequence and the second color sequence are different. A color kind of the code color bar or the second specific color sequence indicates a code. Such color bar code can comprise more information and the contained therein is more easily to be acquired.

Abstract: A flat security element with microreflectors arranged as a microreflector pattern in a main plane of the security element. The microreflectors present a motif made up of image points to a viewer. The motif appears for the viewer as lying outside the main plane of the security element. Two of the microreflectors are adjusted in each case to produce one of the image points of the motif appearing for the viewer as lying outside the main plane. The microreflector pattern has several groups of microreflectors. Each of the groups is provided to represent to the viewer a perspective view of the motif after tilting the security element about an axis lying in the main plane. Image points of the motif are shifted by shift ranges of different sizes through the tilting.

Abstract: Each protrusion surface has a shape of a strip extending in an extension direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction. Each protrusion surface tapers toward a top section in a thickness direction of an uneven structure. Each depression surface has a shape of a strip extending in the extension direction. Each depression surface tapers toward a bottom section in the thickness direction of the uneven structure. The protrusion surfaces and the depression surfaces are arranged at a period that limits reflection of light that is incident on the uneven surface in a front-view direction of the uneven surface and diffracts the light incident on the uneven surface to emit diffracted light in an oblique view direction of the uneven surface. The uneven structure has a property of absorbing light incident on the uneven structure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for supplying an optical security element in a value document, as well as to an accordingly devised apparatus for adjusting an optical security element as well as to the value document per se. According to the invention a method is proposed which makes it possible to supply a known optical security element in an especially simple technical way, without a vapor deposition of embossed structures being necessary in this connection. Further the present invention is directed to a computer program product having control commands, which executes the method or operates the proposed apparatus.

Abstract: There is described a printed security element (10; 10*; 10**) comprising a rainbow feature (15; 15*; 15**) exhibiting, at least in part, a gradual transition from a first colour (C1) to a second colour (C2) distinct from the first colour (C1), wherein the rainbow feature (15; 15*; 15**) extends over a colour-gradient area (A) of the printed security element (10; 10*; 10**) where first and second printed patterns (P1, P2) are partly superimposed or juxtaposed, each of the first and second printed patterns (P1, P2) comprising a first, respectively second set of linear or curvilinear elements (20, 30; 20*, 30*), the first and second printed patterns (P1, P2) being printed in register one with the other by means of two distinct printing plates (PP1, PP2) so that the first and second sets of linear or curvilinear elements (20, 30; 20*, 30*) are partly superimposed or juxtaposed in the colour-gradient area (A) and thereby generate the rainbow feature (15; 15*; 15**), the first printed pattern (P1) exhibiting the fi

Abstract: A security device manufacturing method includes: providing a substrate having a viewing region; providing an obscuring layer in the region; providing a first image; applying a mask to the first image and swapping colour components of first and second sub-images of the first image forming: a mask pattern, and a background pattern representing the unswapped colour components on their assigned side; and printing the mask and background patterns on corresponding layer sides. The layer reduces colours visibility on one side when the other side of the layer is viewed in reflection, and allows light through the region when the security device is viewed in transmitted light. When either side of the region is viewed in reflected light, the patterns on that side are dominantly visible and may be distinguished. When the region is viewed in transmitted light from either side, the region is transparent and the colour-composite image is visible.

Abstract: Aspects described herein may provide detection of a physical characteristic of a credential, thereby allowing for authentication of the credential. According to some aspects, these and other benefits may be achieved by detecting the physical characteristic with the credential in two or more orientations. A first image of a credential in a first orientation and a second image of the credential in a second orientation may be received. An optical characteristic of a secure feature of the credential may be determined based on light reflected from the secure feature in both the first image and the second image. An expected optical characteristic of the secure feature may be determined based on known properties of the secure feature. A determination as to whether the credential is authentic may be based how a comparison of the determined optical characteristic of the secure feature to the expected optical characteristic of the secure feature.

Abstract: A security document includes a first ink layer and a second ink layer. The first ink layer includes a first color in a first color zone and a second color in a second color zone offset from the first color zone in a first direction, and a first blended color including a mixture of the first and second colors in a first blended color zone between the first color zone and the second color zone. The second ink layer includes a third color in a third color zone and a fourth color in a fourth color zone offset from the third color zone in a second direction, and a second blended color including a mixture of the third and fourth colors in a second blended color zone between the third color zone and the fourth color zone. The first direction is different than the second direction.

Abstract: A system is capable of generating identifications that include distinctive line patterns corresponding to different portions of secure customer information. In some implementations, data indicating one or more linear patterns and data indicating customer information to be embedded within an identification document is obtained. Respective subsets of the customer information are assigned to each of the one or more linear patterns. A photographic image to be included within the identification document is then modified based at least on generating a portion of the photographic image that is composed of at least one of the one or more linear patterns. The modified photographic image is then disposed on an identification document to yield embedded customer information.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing counterfeiting and alteration according to the present invention includes a magnetic changeable substance carrier part containing a magnetic changeable substance to vary reflected or transmitted light rays as an applied magnetic field is varied; a magnetic field generation part for generating a magnetic field applied to the magnetic changeable substance; and a moveable part for varying at least one of the intensity, direction and pattern of the magnetic field applied to the magnetic changeable substance according to an externally applied stimulus so as to change the appearance of the magnetic changeable substance.

Abstract: A system for labeling an object uses at least one object label made from a material that absorbs and reflects incident energy uniformly across all wavelengths of incident energy at a ratio proportional to a thickness of the material and that includes a pattern having variations in the thickness of the material along at least one of two orthogonal directions across the label. An interrogator directs a predetermined wavelength of radiation to the at least one label, and a reader to receives reflected radiation from the label at the predetermined wavelength and interprets the reflected radiation to recognize the pattern.

Abstract: A hybrid security device for security documents and the like, with the microstructure for a first optically variable device (OVD) and the microstructure for a second OVD mutually interlace or interspersed. The first microstructure has a height profile that differs from that of the second microstructure by more than 0.5 microns. Suitable fabrication processes for the hybrid security device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for creating an identification document that includes: defining a debossed region on a surface of a card blank, the debossed region having a pre-determined pattern being indented into the card blank; and applying, as part of a lamination process, an overlay on the surface of the card blank to cover the defined debossed region such that an air gap is formed on the card blank's surface during the lamination process and is sealed and removed after the lamination process, and that a tactile pattern thus created on the surface of the overlay substantially duplicates the pre-determined pattern of the defined debossed region.

Abstract: A security device with multiple layers. A substrate provides the backing to a first luminescent layer. An optically variable structure is positioned between the first luminescent layer and a second luminescent layer. Both the first and second luminescent layers emit luminescent radiation when stimulated. When the first layer is stimulated, the optically variable structure filters the emitted luminescent radiation such that the emitted luminescent radiation only escapes the optically variable structure at a predetermined range of emission angles. A user, when viewing the security device from the predetermined range of angles as both layers are stimulated, can see a completed image of a predetermined indicia. When the security device is viewed at angles other than the predetermined range of angles as both layers are stimulated, a user will only see an incomplete image of the predetermined indicia.

Abstract: According to one aspect, the invention relates to an optical security component intended for being observed under direct reflection. The component comprises a structure engraved on a layer of a material having a refraction index n2, a thin layer of a dielectric material having a refraction index n1 other than n2, deposited on the structure, and a layer of a material having a refraction index n0 other than n1, encapsulating the coated structure of the thin layer.

Abstract: A method and system for generating a document for use with personal data and an image, including: inputting the personal text data into the processor; inputting the image into the processor; generating, by the processor, a personal identifier based on the personal text data, a first Message Authentication Code (MAC) based on the personal identifier; generating, by the processor, a first wave structure based on the MAC; generating, by the processor, waved microtext based on the wave structure and the personal text data; generating, by the processor, a letter screen image from the input image with the waved microtext; and outputting the letter screen image. A method and system for verification of the generated document is also disclosed.

Abstract: The image coding method is used to code images to generate a coded stream. The image coding method includes: writing, into a sequence parameter set in the coded stream to be generated, a first parameter representing a first bit-depth that is a bit-depth of a reconstructed sample in the images; and writing, into the sequence parameter set, a second parameter which is different from the first parameter and represents a second bit-depth that is a bit-depth of an Intra Pulse Code Modulation (IPCM) sample in the images.

Abstract: A security document is disclosed which includes an electrical circuit embedded in a document substrate, where the electrical circuit includes a power source with at least one electroactive polymer power generator, and an optical display including at least one electroluminescent display element and at least one nanohole array which forms a layer of the electroluminescent display element. Security features comprising nanohole arrays are also provided. A method of authenticating a security document is disclosed, including illuminating an encoded nanohole array in the security document with a focused light beam or laser light source emitting at least one defined wavelength of incident light, detecting a transmitted portion of the incident light transmitted through the nanohole array with an optoelectronic sensor, analyzing at least one wavelength of the transmitted portion of light to produce a detected signal, and comparing the detected signal with an authentication signal to authenticate the security document.

Abstract: Paired optically variable security element which includes first and second optically variable thin-film multilayer interference devices in the form of optically variable foils or of printings made with inks having optically variable interference pigments. The first and second interference devices exhibit spectral matching at a determined angle of incidence. Sets of optically variable devices and of coating compositions include optically variable pigments for the production of the paired optically variable security element. Moreover, the security element can be used for the protection of documents and goods, and security documents and goods.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermosensitive multiple recording sheet characterized in that a second base material having light transmission properties is attached to the side of a first thermosensitive recording layer of a first thermosensitive recording sheet comprising a first base material and the first thermosensitive recording layer formed on one surface of the first base material, through a temporary adhesive layer, the second base material is composed of an information disclosing portion and an information non-disclosing portion, a shielding layer is formed at the position corresponding to the information non-disclosing portion on the second base material, and an ultraviolet curable resin layer are formed as an outermost layer of the sheet.

Abstract: A data carrier provides health related information regarding a patient, and facilitates compliance with HIPAA by the obscuring the association between the name of the patient and the health related information when the data carrier is to be discarded. The data carrier includes a release liner, a health information label having an upper surface and a lower surface, the label including a first area on the upper surface for indicia specifying health related information and a second area on the upper surface for indicia specifying the identity of a patient, and a pressure sensitive adhesive coating on the lower surface of the health information label, securing the health information label to the release liner. A masking label is either integral with the health information label, or the liner.

Abstract: A process for producing a multilayer body (100) is specified. In this process, an HRI layer (7) made of a material having a high refractive index is applied to at least part of the surface area of a substrate (4). At least one partial region (10) of the HRI layer (7) is then physically removed from the substrate (4) again by treatment with an alkaline solution. Additionally specified is a multilayer body (100) that can be obtained by such a process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a value document, especially a banknote, having a sequence of layers into which visually and/or mechanically perceptible identifiers in the form of patterns, letters, numbers or images are introduced by the action of laser radiation. According to the present invention, the sequence of layers includes a marking layer (22) composed of an ink mixture (24, 26) exhibiting a laser-radiation-absorbing mixture component (26) and a laser-radiation-transparent mixture component (24), the identifiers being visually and/or mechanically perceptible due to an irreversible change in the optical properties of the ink mixture (24, 26), effected by the action of the laser radiation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security element for security papers, bank notes, ID cards or the like, with a substrate, on which are disposed at least two metal layers, the metal layers having different optical densities.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security device comprising a security element composed of: a carrier substrate (1) provided with at least one optically variable effects generating structure (2) situated in defined areas of the said carrier, a first reflective layer (3) visible at least where it coincides with the said optically variable effects generating structures (2) and comprising a reflection enhancing material, at least one second distinctive reflective layer (4) situated only outside the optically variable effects generating structures (2) and comprising a reflective material different from that of the first layer (3). These layers (3,4) can comprise further patterns (7). The invention relates to a security support (9) or document comprising the said security device too.

Abstract: A lottery instant-game ticket and method of making same. On a substrate is placed a first set of game indicia including a first set of game symbols, and a second set of indicia larger than the first set of game indicia and including a second set of game symbols, and includes any winning symbol. A subset of the second set of game indicia with each symbol including a non-winning indicator. The first set and second of game indicia are covered with a removable covering, with the covering having position indicators positioned substantially over each of the first set of game indicia, and identical game symbols positioned substantially over a corresponding identical game symbol of the second set of game indicia such that removal of the identical game symbol reveals the identical game symbol of the second set of game indicia and any non-winning indicator, if present.

Abstract: A self laminating wristband separable from a multi-ply page form has a plurality of separated imaging areas, with one larger imaging area for receiving printed data corresponding to the wearer such as his name, i.d. number, etc., with one or more second imaging areas adapted to receive either printed information or markers which may be adhered thereto. The separated imaging areas are aligned along the length of the wristband so that the gap between them acts as a natural hinge point which allows the imaging areas to lie flatter against the wearer's wrist.

Abstract: An expanded content label is disclosed which opens from a strategically located release-reseal system located at other than an edge of the label.

Abstract: Methods and systems for optical effects in pigments, inks, and on media. One aspect of this disclosure involves a pigment particle which includes a core, having a fluorescent material and having a spherical shape, and a shell surrounding the core; the shell includes a photochromic material which has a first optical property in a first light source and a second optical property in a second light source which includes a set of wavelengths not sufficiently present in the first light source. The second optical property attenuates an emitted radiation from the fluorescent material. Other aspects are also described.

Abstract: A method for producing a continuous web of printed material for use in creating mailpieces. The continuous web has a width and a length, the length comprised of a series of attached sheets. The series of attached sheets are comprising envelope sheets and rectangular content pages. The content pages are rectangular in shape and may be oriented relative to the envelope sheets in a number of different configurations. In some configurations, two sets of content pages and/or envelope sheets can be printed across the width of the web. Sheets for forming business return envelopes may be printed in series with the content pages and envelope sheets. BREs may include individualized return addresses. A control code may be printed on one or more of the sheets for a given mailpiece, providing information for controlling assembly of the mailpiece.

Abstract: Promotional codes are printed using thermochromic inks in a manner that conceals the codes until a beverage or other article is cooled sufficiently to reveal the codes.

Abstract: An anti-counterfeit printed matter forming an invisible image that can be visualized clearly and prevents a visible image from impeding visibility of a visualized invisible image. In the anti-counterfeit printed matter according to this invention, a plurality of object elements are arranged at a predetermined pitch in a matrix, each object element including a first and second object arranged along a first direction on both sides of a boundary at a center, opposing each other, and third and fourth objects arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction on both sides of a boundary at the center, opposing each other. The first object and the second object, and the third object and the fourth object of each object element have a negative/positive relationship. The first object and/or the second object forms a first invisible image. The third object and/or the fourth object forms a second invisible image.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for applying shipping labels over both folded or non-folded packing slips, or the like, at a single print-and-apply station, either through use of a label configured for application to a substrate and also in a superposed registered manner to another label of identical construction previously attached to the substrate, or by using a shipping label having a non-aggressive adhesive applied to a removable center section of the shipping label for attachment of the packing list, or the like, to the shipping label prior to application of the shipping label to the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in security devices that can be used in varying shapes and sizes for various authenticating or security applications, particularly an optically variable security device utilizing liquid crystal materials. The security device includes a liquid crystal layer (11), an at least partially absorbing layer (12) adjacent at least a part of one side of the liquid crystal layer (11), and at least one customizing region (13) which is adjacent at least a part of an opposite side of the liquid crystal layer (11) to the absorbing layer (12) in selected regions. The at least one customizing region (13) modifies the color shifting properties of the liquid crystal layer (11) such that at least two contrasting optically variable regions are provided by the regions covered by the at least one customizing region and regions not covered by the at least one customizing region.

Abstract: A tactile orientation indicator is positioned along the periphery of a bill, and a tactile denomination indicator is positioned elsewhere along the periphery of the bill. The user of the bill may then use their tactile senses to feel along the edges of the bill to orient the bill to a pre-determined orientation based on the location of the orientation indicator. The user then feels along the periphery of the bill to locate the denomination indicator. Using a predetermined system associating the location of the denomination indicator with a particular bill denomination, the user may then identify the denomination of the bill even if blind or otherwise visually impaired.

Abstract: A sheet-shaped document of value (BN) has luminescent feature substances (20, 21). Preferably, one luminescent feature substance is present over the entire sheet-shaped document and has a low concentration, whereas a second luminescent feature substance is present at certain partial areas and has a higher concentration.

Abstract: A self attaching tag made essentially of self adhesive printable plastic to be attached to a fragile and easily deformable object characterized in that the tag is covered with a plurality of varnishes which allow for the protection of pre-printing and for printing and writing on at the moment of use. The tags are delivered on large rolls where perforations allow for easy separation of the tags.

Abstract: A label is operable to be adhesively applied to a substrate to carry publicly displayed indicia on one side and hidden indicia on a second, opposite side. The label includes top and bottom label plies, with the top label ply having the publicly displayed indicia and the bottom label ply having the hidden indicia. The top label ply has a top adhesive layer applied thereon, and the bottom label ply has a bottom adhesive layer applied thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multilayer security element having a first, transparent layer structure having first, translucent sub-regions and a second, opaque layer structure exhibiting a color-shift effect and having second, transparent sub-regions.

Abstract: The invention describes a method providing prints with fluorescent effects on a document generated by color electrophotographic print processes, employing an electrophotographic printer equipped with five print modules, where four printing stations are equipped with black, yellow, magenta and cyan toners and a fifth station is equipped with substantially clear fluorescent toners to be printed on top of the color toners or directly on a substrate of the print document. In further developments of the present invention, the clear fluorescent toner absorbs light in the UV-A range or comprises metallic pigments or metallic effect pigments added to the clear fluorescent toner.

Abstract: The invention provides a thread and counterfeit preventive paper satisfying the conditions that, when the micro-character of the thread is viewed from one side and opposite side of the paper or printed material, the image of micro-character can be recognized in the same direction from any side, not in opposite direction to each other, and that, when viewed from the opposite side, the image of the corresponding micro-character is not visible. The counterfeit preventive paper and counterfeit preventive printed material have a structure in which a thread having metal deposition layers formed in a pattern of micro-character and colored printed layers formed thereon provided on both sides of a strip-like and light permeable substrate is inserted between paper layers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a luminous advertisement sheet. The luminous advertisement sheet includes a light-transmitting print sheet having an EL advertisement region formed in at least one area of the print sheet, and a general advertisement region formed in the other area thereof. The EL advertisement region has at least one of a fixed pattern portion in which a transparent electrode layer, an EL layer and a dielectric layer are sequentially laminated and a variable pattern portion in which a transparent electrode layer, an EL layer, a dielectric layer and a plurality of pixel electrode layers are sequentially laminated. The general advertisement region allows general dye printing to be performed therein. The luminous advertisement sheet further includes a pattern electrode layer laminated and printed with a conductive ink material to have a predetermined luminous pattern in at least one area of the dielectric layer laminated in the fixed pattern portion and/or the variable pattern portion.

Abstract: An optical security label for security and anti-counterfeit applications comprises a first layer having an optically variable portion (diffractive, holographic or interference film) generating an optically variable effect secured to a support layer by a weak adhesive layer such that the first layer can be scratched off the third support layer to reveal underlying data and the label is affixed to a substrate by a pressure sensitive adhesive. The label or substrate carry the data to be protected such a printed or personalized paper or plastic substrate. In one aspect the scratch off region is patterned and also the data can comprise a pattern of alternate scratch off and permanent areas. In one aspect the label is a thin frangible structure delivered to the substrate with a weakly bound top carrier. In another aspect the optical variable device includes a covert image authenticated by a decoder carried on the top of the removable carrier.

Abstract: The invention concerns a security element (3?) having a top side and an underside and a process for the production thereof. The security element has a transparent layer (33?) with a non-homogenous refractive index, in which a plurality of Bragg planes are formed by a refractive index variation. The transparent layer (33?) is of a layer thickness of between 5 ?m and 200 ?m and the transparent layer (33?) has a plurality of first zones (41) of a smallest dimension of less than 300 ?m, which are arranged in accordance with a first grid raster in a one-dimensional or two-dimensional succession in mutually adjacent relationship and in which the Bragg planes of the transparent layer are respectively shaped to provide a respective transmissive optical imaging function.

Abstract: This invention provides an information recording patch that allows accurate authenticity discrimination, a printed sheet, and an authenticity discrimination method therefor. An information recording patch includes a protective layer (1), intermediate layer (2), metal layer (3), and adhesive layer (4). The protective layer (1) made of a material having a predetermined dielectric constant is arranged at the uppermost layer. The intermediate layer (2) made of a material having a predetermined dielectric constant has, on its surface, a three-dimensional pattern corresponding to the design of a hologram forming layer including the intermediate layer and the metal layer. The metal layer (3) made of a material having a predetermined conductivity is arranged on the three-dimensional surface of the intermediate layer to form a conductive film.