Abstract: A system for obtaining a signature a scan area on the surface of an article comprises: a signature generator that generates the signature from scattered coherent radiation detected from a plurality of regions on the surface by using relative motion between the article and a scan head comprising a coherent radiation source and photodetectors to obtain a set of data points comprising a group of data points from each region; an imaging detector that captures a sequence of images of the surface during the relative motion; and a processor that calculates the instantaneous velocity of the relative motion; whereby the signature generator uses the instantaneous velocity to linearise the groups of data point within the set of data points before generating the signature of the article from the set of data points.

Abstract: The presently claimed invention provides apparatus helpful for authenticating or protecting physical and electronic documents like financial documents and identification documents. One claim recites an apparatus including: an authenticator including or utilizing a processor which uses first information in a first portion of data associated with an object as a basis of first authentication information, the first information also being obtainable from a first portion of the object; and an incorporator including or utilizing a processor which incorporates the first authentication information in a second portion of the data, the first authentication information also being obtainable from a second portion of the object. Of course, other claims and combinations are provided as well.

Abstract: A method for producing a security layered construction as well as a security layered construction for an identification document (61), particularly for personal identification, having a transponder layer (20) and at least one cover layer (38, 39), the transponder layer being covered using the at least one cover layer to form a seal with the wire conductor positioned interposed, and at least one viewing side (62) of the at least one cover layer or transponder layer being provided with security printing (63.

Abstract: A passport reader for processing a passport having an RFID element associated therewith. A exemplary embodiment of the invention provides a passport reader for processing a passport having an RFID element associated therewith including an RFID interrogation source for interrogating and obtaining information from the RFID element associated with a passport; and an antenna to transmit signals between an RFID element and the RFID interrogation source.

Abstract: A secure document, in particular an electronic passport, includes a support equipped, on the one hand, with active security devices having a microcircuit connected to an antenna that can produce an electromagnetic response when it passes through the electromagnetic field of a contactless reader designed to query the identity document. The support is equipped, on the other hand, with passive security devices selected so as to have electrical characteristics, in particular inductive, capacitive and resistive, that are suitable for amplifying the electromagnetic response of the active security devices to make it go beyond a threshold that allows the secure document to be identified when it is placed in the electromagnetic field of a contactless reader. The invention has a useful application in national programs to issue passports with increased security.

Abstract: In an image processing apparatus, an antenna is arranged in a traveling member of a scanner, a reader/writer receives a radio wave from a radio tag added to an original via the antenna when the reader/writer reads an image from the original, a demodulation circuit generates a demodulated signal, a radio tag identification number identifying and judging unit, which has received the demodulated signal, identifies a type of the radio tag, and when it is judged that the original is a forgery prevention object original, a forgery prevention processing unit applies forgery prevention processing to the original.

Abstract: A Web page may be authenticated by issuing a Web page request from a browser on a client computer to a Web server, receiving a signed Web page in response to the request, authenticating the signed Web page, and invoking at least one client module associated with the Web server when the authenticating is successful. The at least one client module is adapted for execution on the client computer.

Abstract: A banknote acceptor for authenticating a banknote 2, has a sensing station S with detector 18 that produces image signals corresponding to a face the banknote. A processor 24 pre-processes the image signals and compares them with stored reference data corresponding to an acceptable banknote from memory 25 to determining the authenticity of the banknote and its denomination. A display device 29 displays an image 31 corresponding to the banknote under test based on the image signals from the detector 18, to allow the user to perform a visual check that the banknote detected at the sensing station corresponds to the banknote under test presented by the user. Also, the detected denomination of the banknote is displayed on device 32. The user can accept or reject the banknote using buttons 33 and 34, and retrieve images of previously accepted banknotes with button 35.

Abstract: It is required to protect the copyrights and the like of partial images which form respective parts of an image obtained by reading an image, exchanged using a print as a medium, by an image scanner or the like. Input image data is divided into a plurality of image regions having different features, digital watermarks, which are embedded in the detected image regions by embedding methods corresponding to the features of the image regions, are extracted, and the availability of the input image is checked on the basis of the extracted digital watermarks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a security arrangement (20-1, 20-2) for one of a plurality of homogeneous security documents (10-1, 10-2), having an authenticating feature (22-1, 22-2) that is characteristic for the security document and at least one verification element (24-1, 24-2) for checking the authenticating features (22-1, 22-2) of others of the plurality of homogeneous security documents, in which a damageless check of the authenticating feature (22-1) of a security arrangement (20-1) is practicable exclusively through a predefined combination effect with a verification element (24-2) of a security arrangement (20-2) disposed on another homogeneous security document (10-2).

Abstract: The present invention is a computer based process and method that in the preferred embodiment uses stored information about a driver including, inter alia, the driver's name, driver's license number and contact information. The driver's license number is queried against a licensing authority's database returning results including, inter alia, whether a specific driver's license is valid, pending suspension or suspended and the reason for the status which may include, for example, a pending violation, court ordered revocation or suspension, no proof of insurance recorded, non-renewal or other causes.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a motor vehicle identity anti-fake apparatus and method. The motor vehicle identity includes a microcomputer (1), communicators (2), member anti-fake apparatus (3) and information displays (4). The motor vehicle identity anti-fake apparatus is installed on vehicle license and members of the vehicle. The apparatus monitors, analyzes and judges the vehicle and the license plate and certificates thereof automatically under the control of the preloaded software or the wireless management of the administrative institution, and provide information of the self-detection to outside. The present invention is used for anti-fake of motor-vehicle-identity-status and provides to the enforcement organ for recognizing the legal status of motor-vehicle-identity.

Abstract: A media object authentication system uses layers of security features based on digital watermarks embedded in media objects. The system generates a first digital watermark with a message payload carrying data about the object, such as a hash of text data printed on the object. The first digital watermark is combined with a content signature derived from features of the media object, such as frequency domain attributes, edge attributes, or other filtered version of the media signal (e.g., image photo on a secure document) on the media object. This combination forms a new digital watermark signal that is embedded in the host media object. To verify the object, the digital watermark payload is extracted and compared with the data about the object. The combined digital watermark and content signature is also evaluated to authenticate the media signal on the media object.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transponder inlay (11) for manufacturing a layered structure (40) for a personal document with a substrate layer (12) for arranging a transponder unit (15) that includes an antenna coil (13) and a chip module (14) and which is situated on a contact surface (17) of the substrate layer, wherein the chip module (14) is accommodated in a window opening (30) formed in the substrate layer (12) in such a way that a chip carrier (23) of the chip module rests with its circumferential edge on a compressed peripheral shoulder (24) of the window opening (30); the invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the transponder inlay. In addition, the present invention relates to a layered structure for a personal document, which is provided with such a transponder inlay, and an identification document having such a layered structure.

Abstract: A method of producing a digital multiple-level encoded image is presented. The method comprises obtaining a digital authentication image, obtaining a first encoding parameter set comprising one or more encoding parameters, and constructing a first encoded image. The first encoded image is constructed using a first encoding methodology, the digital authentication image and the first encoding parameter set. The method further comprises obtaining a second encoding parameter set comprising one or more encoding parameters and constructing a second encoded image using a second encoding methodology, the first encoded image and the second encoding parameter set. The second encoded image may be decoded to reveal the first encoded image using a decoder having characteristics corresponding to at least a portion of the encoding parameters of the second encoding parameter set.

Abstract: A document distributing method is proposed using access control information separated into invisible data embedded as an electronic watermark and visible data described in a structured document to achieve prevention of unauthorized alteration of document data, authentication thereof, and prevention of unauthorized access thereto.

Abstract: A system for authenticating re-presentable items, such as currency notes and passports, comprises applying to each item a unique code, reading the code on presentation, and checking the code against a database, characterised in that at each check, the code is altered.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining information that can be used to authenticate an entity, the apparatus comprising: an image capturing means arranged to capture an image; an image processor arranged to process the image in order to retrieve a block of ciphertext encoded in the image; and a data processor arranged to decrypt the block of ciphertext in order to obtain the information that can be used to authenticate the entity.

Abstract: A security paper such as a bank note has a data matrix printed or attached to it. The data matrix includes an encoded unique identifier for the security paper which may be read by a scanner and compared with a store of unique identifiers to authenticate the bank note. The remote store may include an indication as to whether or not the bank note is activated or whether it has not been issued or has been released from circulation. Data on the data matrix may be arranged in layers with a second layer containing further data associated with the bank note. The data in one or more layers may be encrypted using different encryption algorithms whereby different parties may have access to the data on different layers. RFID tags may be used in addition or as an alternative to data matrixes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise systems, methods and devices for imaging device credential submission wherein credentials are extracted by scanning graphical indicia on user documents using a primary document scanner.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for labeling items, wherein the labels contain digital information and can be read when desired. The coding of the labels is done by choosing specifically engineered nano-particles, micro-particles, or liquid material in the form of “ink.” The particles are designed to contain materials with distinguishable NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) or NQR (Nuclear quadrupole resonance) frequencies and are combined in sets to encode digital information. The NMR/NQR label particle sets are printed on the item to be labeled, or on a label substrate which is then attached to the item to be labeled. In one embodiment, the printed NMR/NQR label consists of an array of spots, each of which may encode one or more digital characters. These spots can be detected and the digital information in the label can be read using a suitable magnetic resonance detector.

Abstract: An apparatus for selecting a virtual card application from a multi-application contactless card, including a receiver configured to receive an authentication command containing a card key from a card reader. The apparatus further includes a verifier configured to verify the card key in the virtual card applications and to select a card application for communication with the card reader by means of a key match. The apparatus further includes a transmitter configured to transmit a response of the selected card applications to the card reader.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for authenticating entities to use an intelligent interactive Electronic Product Code stored in an RFID tag attached to a document as a means for third parties to ascertain a document is not counterfeit and has not been revoked or changed. In addition, such intelligent RFID tags can uniquely identify a particular document and data related to the document. The authenticating agency can utilize a public or private Electronic Product Code database as a means for the authenticating agency and third parties to authenticate documents and data in documents. The intelligent interactive Electronic Product Code can be used as an anti counterfeit mechanism enabling third parties requested to provide services, benefits or monetary payments to authenticate documents and or the data associated with the document is not counterfeit.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for printing an authenticatable image having an embedded image into a receiver having a discernible physical characteristic, such that the printed image can be used to authenticate the receiver which includes scanning the receiver to produce information related to the discernible physical characteristic of the receiver, and providing a carrier which includes information related to the scanned receiver discernible physical characteristic. The method also includes combining the carrier with an input image to form the authenticatable image having the embedded image, and printing the authenticatable image having the embedded image onto the receiver.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to physical articles, e.g., such as documents, and authenticating physical articles. One claim recites a method of determining authenticity of an analog form (e.g., a printed document such as legal tender, currency or identification documents). The analog form includes a machine-detectable signal represented in printing formed thereon. The signal is based on a rotationally symmetric pattern and is machine-detectable from visible light reading of the analog form, but the signal is imperceptible upon human inspection of the analog form. The method includes acts of: collecting visible light data corresponding to the analog form; transforming the visible light data to a complementary domain; inspecting the transformed data for the rotationally symmetric pattern, wherein presence of said pattern indicates presence of the signal; and taking an action based on presence of the signal. Other combinations and physical articles are provided as well.

Abstract: Systems, methods and program products for recording a document's background data during front-end generation of the document, and inserting a background data identifier on the document. In addition, the invention provides for use of the background data for document processing. For example, the invention provides for removal of the background data from scanner image data of the document to create a foreground image. The foreground image can be used to conduct processing relative to the document such as archiving, fraud detection and other processing. Background data recordation and removal during back-end processing results in improved archive accuracy, lowered storage size requirements, and reduced transmission costs. In addition, background data recordation allows referencing of a single background by a large number of documents.

Abstract: A security document, comprises a printed document and one or more memory circuits adapted to be read wirelessly attached to or incorporated within the printed document, wherein data in the memory circuit is protected from access by an unauthorised reader, and wherein the memory circuit is physically isolated so as to inhibit physical tampering or to indicate when physical tampering has occurred. Methods of publishing and of reading such security documents are described.

Abstract: A paper-like sheet discriminator has reference rollers for detection of a thickness of a paper-like sheet and a detection roller opposing the reference rollers. The paper-like sheet is passed between the reference rollers and the detection rollers and its thickness is detected from a displacement of the lever. Wavelength components less than a specified wavelength are extracted from a signal indicative of a thickness of the paper-like sheet passing through the respective thickness detection sensors and appearance positions on the paper-like sheet are determined at which the extracted wavelength components being less than the specified wavelength and having amplitude either not less than or less than a constant value appear. The thus determined appearance positions are collated with precedently stored appearance positions so as to discriminate genuineness/spuriousness of the paper-like sheet.

Abstract: Xerox Docket No. D/A0037Q Document authentication is accomplished by acquiring document image data, generating a set of features of the document, and generating an assist channel that includes information on how to generate the set of features. The set of features and the assist channel are digitally signed and then append to the document. Document verification is accomplished by acquiring document image data and verifying the signature. If the signature is valid, a set of features of the document is generated using information contained in the assist channel appended to the document. The generated set of features is then compared to the set of features appended on the document. If the sets do not match, the document is determined to have been altered sometimes after the assist channel was appended to the document, i.e., the document is not genuine. Otherwise, the document can be considered to be genuine.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems that are helpful authentication of physical and electronic documents like financial documents and identification documents. Steganographic indicia plays a role in some of our implementations. In other implementations we bind design features to a user or to a document. In still other implementations we provide authentication methods to evaluate security documents.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for authenticating currency and other important documents. A preferred embodiment may contain both a substrate, such as paper, and an embedded RFID transponder. An embedded RFID transponder or electronic watermark may contain multiple hierarchical layers of electronic passwords that are used to electronically protect the host currency from counterfeiting, or unauthorized modification. In addition, such intelligent RFID tags may uniquely identify a particular document and data related to the document. The authenticating agency can utilize a public or private Electronic Product Code database as a means for the authenticating agency and third parties to authenticate documents and data in documents. The intelligent interactive Electronic Product Code can be used as an anti-counterfeit mechanism enabling third parties requested to provide services, benefits or monetary payments to authenticate documents and prevent counterfeits.

Abstract: Described are a system and method for verifying a self-authenticating document. First, an image is obtained of at least a predetermined portion of the document. Then, the image is divided into a predetermined number of pixel groups, each pixel group including a plurality of pixels and pixel characteristic data for each pixel is determined. A pixel group classification data for each pixel group is determined as a function of the pixel characteristics data. Based on the pixel group classification data and a location of the corresponding pixel group in the image, a characteristic digital data “CDD” for the image is generated. The CDD is added to the document. Upon a request for verification of the document, the CDD is extracted from the document. Then, a further CDD based on the image is generated. The document is verified only if the CDD is substantially identical to the further CDD.

Abstract: A non-authentic article discrimination system for discriminating whether an article to which an IC tag is attached is a non-authentic article includes an IC tag and a base device. The IC tag includes a first antenna portion for receiving a radio wave, a power generation circuit for generating electric power from the radio wave received by the first antenna portion, a first storing portion for storing information regarding the article, and a radio wave output circuit for outputting a radio wave including the information stored in the first storing portion via the first antenna portion.

Abstract: Document authentication is accomplished by acquiring document image data, generating a set of features of the document, and generating an assist channel that includes information on how to generate the set of features. The set of features and the assist channel are digitally signed and the append to the document. Document verification is accomplished by acquiring document image data and verifying the signature. If the signature is valid, a set of features of the document is generated using information contained in the assist channel appended to the document. The generated set of features is then compared to the set of features appended on the document. If the sets do not match, the document is determined to have been altered sometimes after the assist channel was appended to the document, i.e., the document is not genuine. Otherwise, the document can be considered to be genuine.

Abstract: A combination magnetic tag (10) is described comprising an optical part (20) and a magnetic part (30), the optical part including a plurality of optical elements for conveying an optical code and the magnetic part including a plurality of magnetic elements for conveying a magnetic code, the optical and magnetic codes being mutually complementary for verifying authenticity of the tag (10). Incorporation of both optical and magnetic codes into the tag is of advantage in that they are capable of rendering the tag less susceptible to copying. The tag (10) is relevant to appropriate to anti-counterfeiting applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for transmitting and receiving information from a radio frequency (RF) transponder. A conductive adhesive connects an antenna in a non-metallized region to a metallized region. This feature transforms the entire metallized region of the radio frequency device (i.e., the remainder of the metallized material outside the non-metallized region) into an antenna.

Abstract: Security of photographic identification documents is enhanced by embedding within the photographic image encoded information that may be correlated to other information pertaining to the individual represented by the image, such other information being, for example, printed on the document adjacent to the photograph.

Abstract: A workpiece authentication technique is provided. The technique bases workpiece authentication upon intrinsic physical characteristics of the workpiece, including one or more images of topographical appearance of at least one portion of the workpiece.

Abstract: A method for selectively removing metal from a metallized substrate (e.g., a metallized polymer film) and the formation fo devices thereby are provided. The method involves selectively exposing the metallized surface to a demetallizing (i.e., an oxidizing) chemical solution. The metallized layer can be selectively exposed to the demetallizing solution using a flexographic printing process wherein printing rollers are used to transfer the demetallizing solution to the metallized surface. An identification device including, for example, a holographic, retro-reflective, or other metallized material and a radio-frequency transponder are also provided. The radio-frequency transponder includes an RF chip and an antenna in electrical communication with the chip. The identification device including the holographic image allows both electronic identification through the reading of identification data stored in the chip and optical identification via the holographic image.

Abstract: A method and system for providing owners, potential buyers and other users of autographed items such as sports and other entertainment memorabilia visual evidence for verifying the authenticity of the autograph are described. A method of the present invention involves capturing an image of the signature as it is being placed on the item. The image so captured is then stored on a computer readable medium. In addition to the item itself, the owner of the item may be provided with a computer readable medium containing computer readable instructions for accessing the image and other information about the item, the signing process, the autographer, etc. The image may be captured by a camera mounted on a pen or other writing instrument.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for embedding information in a host signal based on the positioning of watermarks within the host signal. An embedder provides (i.e. embeds) a plurality of watermarks in the host signal. A processor associated with the embedder is provided for determining a relative position for embedding of at least two of the plurality of watermarks within the host signal such that the relative position of the watermarks represents the embedded information. The present invention also includes corresponding methods and apparatus for extracting the embedded information from the host signal based on the detected relative positions of the watermarks within the host signal, as well as computer readable medium containing the host signal which carries the embedded information.

Abstract: Security of photographic identification documents is enhanced by providing machine-readable information that may be correlated to other information pertaining to the individual represented by the image, such other information being, for example, printed on the document adjacent to the photograph.

Abstract: A method of checking sheets as to forgery thereof, the sheet being provided with an electronic circuit chip from which information can be read cut or written and having visible information. The method includes a step of encrypting the visible information of the sheet and storing the encrypted visible information in the electronic circuit chip, and a step of determining discriminatively the authenticity of the sheet by comparing the visible information of the sheet with the information stored in the electronic circuit chip.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag comprises RFID circuitry, an antenna, and a detector responsive to electromagnetic radiation of a predetermined frequency and for controlling cooperation between the RFID circuitry and the antenna when electromagnetic radiation of the predetermined frequency is detected. The detector may be responsive to light of the predetermined frequency to enable cooperation between the RFID circuitry and the antenna when light of the predetermined frequency is detected. Alternatively, the detector may be responsive to light of the predetermined frequency to disable cooperation between the RFID circuitry and the antenna when light of the predetermined frequency is detected.

Abstract: An Internet co-location facility security system integrates all the major components of the system and makes tracking information from these components available to co-located members on a database accessible from the web. A web-based interface allows co-located members to assign visitor access to the Internet co-location facility through the Internet from remote computer terminals. A visitor access and enrollment system allows a visitor to enroll only once in the system to be granted access to one or more other Internet co-location facility security systems around the globe.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for printing an authenticatable image having an embedded image into a receiver having a discernible physical characteristic, such that the printed image can be used to authenticate the receiver which includes scanning the receiver to produce information related to the discernible physical characteristic of the receiver, and providing a carrier which includes information related to the scanned receiver discernible physical characteristic. The method also includes combining the carrier with an input image to form the authenticatable image having the embedded image, and printing the authenticatable image having the embedded image onto the receiver.

Abstract: A media that is used for making an authenticable original document and a method for making the document. The media has an area on which a custom three dimensional physical indicia identifier can be formed thereon by a user. The area of the media is made of a material such that when the three dimensional physical indicia is digitally scanned a unique digital file is produced.

Abstract: An Internet co-location facility security system and method integrates all the major components of the system and makes tracking information from these components available to co-located members on a database accessible from the web. A web-based interface allows co-located members to assign visitor access to the Internet co-location facility through the Internet from remote computer terminals. A visitor access and enrollment system allows a visitor to enroll only once in the system to be granted access to one or more other Internet co-location facility security systems around the globe.

Abstract: A security device, such as a security thread, uses multiple security detection features provided by combining metal and metal/magnetic security features on a carrier substrate. The security detection features basically comprise an optionally repeating pattern of discrete metal/magnetic indicia and discrete metal or metal-dot formed indicia. The security detection features may also include at least one metal strip extending along the length of the carrier substrate and/or a plurality of metal dots located on metal-free portions of at least one surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A document verification scheme embeds in or deposits on a substrate/document a random distribution of dielectric particles that effectively create a unique electronically detectable signature. The dielectric constant of the particles is sufficiently larger than that of the substrate/document, so as to exhibit molecular level electric dipole moments, which cause a detectable modification of an external electric field passing through the substrate. Electronic signature verification is effected by comparing the digitized output of an electric field modification sensor with a digital code that has been stored previously in the data base. As long as the substrate containing the dielectric particle signature has not been altered, its randomly distributed capacitance characteristic will remain unchanged, and the two digital signatures seen by the comparator will effectively match one another, verifying authentication of the substrate.