Abstract: The invention includes systems, methods and program products for providing real-time point-of-sale paper currency, i.e., bill, authentication and recordation. The invention provides a point-of-sale terminal capable of real-time authentication and recordation of paper currency, a currency monitoring system for tracking paper currency usage and conducting paper currency authentication relative to a currency issuing entity's database, and a reconciliation system for reconciling a point-of-sale terminal.

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an RFID tag attached to a document as a means for third parties to ascertain a document is not counterfeit and has not been revoked or changed.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 data transmitting and receiving method applied to a portable communication terminal apparatus which communicates with at least one destination and a ticket gate, the method comprising receiving a ticket information item via a public network to obtain a plurality of received ticket information items, storing the received ticket information items in a memory device, designating one of the ticket information items in the memory device to obtain a designated ticket information item, displaying the designated ticket information item on a display, establishing a first radio channel for the portable communication terminal apparatus to perform communications with the ticket gate, in preference to other communications with the destination, releasing a second radio channel which is used for communicating with the destination, before establishing the first radio channel, communicating with the ticket gate via the first radio channel on the basis of the ticket information item displayed on the display.

Abstract: A system for using a watermark embedded in an audio signal to remotely control a device. Various devices such as toys, computers, and appliances, equipped with an appropriate detector, detect the hidden signals, which can trigger an action, or change a state of the device. The watermarks can be used with a “time gate” device, where detection of the watermark opens a time interval within which a user is allowed to perform an action, such as pressing a button, typing in an answer, turning a key in a lock, etc. To prevent fraudulent activation of a time gate, the time gate device can be configured to react only to watermarks coming from live broadcasts, and not from replays from tapes or other storage devices. In another feature, robustness of the watermark is improved, e.g., for acoustic propagation channels, by shifting the detection time of the watermark based on a measured bit error count of the watermark.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method are disclosed for reading and authenticating documents. These documents include passports, driver's licenses, identity documents and documents of value, and they are read to obtain and verify information recorded thereon, and to test for and detect security features thereon to determine if such documents are genuine, counterfeit or have been altered. A first image is taken of a document under evaluation and, from the image, the size of the document is determined, and that defines the document as being part of a smaller class of documents having the same size. Reference documents for all documents types are segmented and a correlation number is determined for each segment. A correlation number is determined for each segment of the first document having fixed information, and these correlation numbers are compared with correlation numbers of corresponding segments of the reference documents that have the same size as the first document.

Abstract: A method for verifying authenticity of a certificate under test, wherein an authentic version of the certificate has a known watermark in a predetermined watermark region thereof. The method includes capturing an image of at least a portion of the watermark region of the certificate under test. A correlation is found between the image of the watermark region and the known watermark. Responsive to the correlation, a portion of the image of the watermark region is registered with the known watermark, and a range of intensity values in the registered portion of the image is measured. A vector is defined in a decision space, the vector having coordinates given by the range of the intensity values and by a value of the correlation between the image of the watermark region and the known watermark. The certificate under test is determined to be authentic if the vector falls within a predefined area of the decision space.

Abstract: A method for associating information with an article, an isotopic labeling composition to label an article with information using at least two different isotopes of an element, and an article labeled with the labeling composition. In the labeling composition, the isotopes of the labeling composition have an abundance ratio that is detectably different from the natural abundance ratio thereof. By detecting the abundance ratio(s) of the isotopes in the labeling composition, via laser ablation/magnetic spectroscopy, an NQR spectrometer, an NMR spectrometer, an IR spectrometer, or a microwave spectrometer, information about the article can be determined. The method and labeling composition may be used to identify, authenticate or determine the source or origin of an article or to provide detailed information about an article.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting parallel marketing of an item, include forming at least one of a coating and a code on the item, interrogating the at least one of the coating and said code, and determining from the interrogating whether the item has been transferred from an authorized merchant to an unauthorized merchant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for authenticating entities to use an intelligent interactive Electronic Document 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 Document Code database as a means for the authenticating agency and third parties to authenticate documents and data in documents. The intelligent interactive Electronic Document 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 system for using a watermark embedded in an audio signal to remotely control a device. Various devices such as toys, computers, and appliances, equipped with an appropriate detector, detect the hidden signals, which can trigger an action, or change a state of the device. The watermarks can be used with a “time gate” device, where detection of the watermark opens a time interval within which a user is allowed to perform an action, such as pressing a button, typing in an answer, turning a key in a lock, etc. To prevent fraudulent activation of a time gate, the time gate device can be configured to react only to watermarks coming from live broadcasts, and not from replays from tapes or other storage devices. In another feature, robustness of the watermark is improved, e.g., for acoustic propagation channels, by shifting the detection time of the watermark based on a measured bit error count of the watermark.

Abstract: A sheet media system comprising an apparatus for utilizing sheet media; and a radio-frequency identification transceiver associated with said apparatus for communicating with a transponder associated with sheet media utilized by said apparatus.

Abstract: A document is analyzed to determine whether it is a banknote or the like, by reference to image data corresponding to the document. Two analysis techniques may be used, one based on detection of a visible pattern characteristic of a security document, the other based on detection of a steganographic digital watermark characteristic of a security document. If either characteristic is found, the image is flagged, and appropriate anti-counterfeiting steps may be taken. Detection of the visible pattern can be performed using a series of successively more rigorous tests. If the image fails a test, successive testing steps can be skipped, speeding the process. Hough transform-based pattern recognition techniques are used in some embodiments. Provision of both a visible pattern detector and a watermark detector in a single apparatus enhances detection reliability, while permitting various implementation efficiencies.

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 out 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: The invention relates to a device for validating authenticity features on documents of value and security documents, especially bank notes, personal documents, plastic cards and similar. The device consists of an automatic testing apparatus into which the bank notes for testing are fed and hereby run through a detector device. The detector device is suitable for detecting and evaluating the electroluminescent properties of the authenticity features.

Abstract: Three-dimensional characteristics of a complex physical structure are used to generate a unique identifier. In effect, the characteristics reperesent the basis of a “physical one-way hash function” that faciliates ready derivation of an identifier based on the physical structure, the structure itself being very difficult to reproduce given only the identifier. The characteristics may be read using a non-contact probe and without the need for precise registration.

Abstract: A method for storing geographic information at a communication node is provided. Geographic data is received and an authentication request to a geographic authentication database in communication with the communication node is transmitted. An authentication response is then received and the geographic data is stored in a storage database in communication with the communication node. Systems and programs for storing geographic information are also provided.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the authenticity of a product. The system includes an authenticating agency having a database with stored valid product codes. A product is affixed with an authentication tag having an identification number and a product code. The product code is concealed by a removable strip. A consumer purchases the product and removes the strip to reveal the product code. The consumer communicates with the authenticating agency and conveys the identification number and product code to the authenticating agency. The authenticating agency retrieves the valid product code associated with the identification number and compares it with the product code submitted by the consumer. If the codes match, the product is authenticated by the authenticating agency. The authenticating agency then communicates the results of the determination to the consumer.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the authenticity of a product. The system includes an interface device communicating with an authenticator. The authenticator includes a processing module and an information storage module having stored data. The interface device retrieves information from the product which is sent to the authenticator. The processing module determines if the retrieved data in combination with the stored data of the information storage module matches authenticating data stored within the processing module. If both sets of data match, the product is determined to be authentically originating from a specified manufacturer.

Abstract: A method of covering, embedding or burying magnetically encodable regions, invisible to the naked eye at least on one side, in a magnetic/metallic security device begins by providing a security device carrier substrate having an imaged metallic region. A foil film is provided on a release coated carrier film. One or more magnetic regions are provided on either the foil film layer or the carrier substrate. Patterned, flat, or roller heated dies are used to contact and bond the foil film to the security device carrier substrate in at least those regions of the magnetic regions thereby producing a security device having covered, embedded or camouflaged magnetically encodable regions.

Abstract: An identification system having a light source, an identifiable object and a receiver. The identifiable object having one or more photo-activated microtransponders operatively connected to an article. The photo-activated microtransponders are operative to transmit one or more output signals to the receiver in response to one or more light signals from the light source.

Abstract: A chain of custody form with an associated wireless (e.g., RFID) chip results in data being monitored and filed electronically, minimizes the need for a multi-part form and results in reduced consumable costs to the customer. Samples are no longer lost in transit or within a testing laboratory, as the RFID chip allows for complete tracking of the specimen. Positive location identification is always available. All data may be tracked using the RFID chip which may prompt the collector or other custodian to correctly enter data. The chain of custody is always accurate and is never broken. All data may be shared with all parties electronically including, for example, an employer, a collection site, a medical review officer, a third party administrator, etc. No re-keying of the information is necessary, eliminating multiple steps, reducing the potential for error, and providing increased efficiencies and decreased processing time at reduced costs.

Abstract: A programming apparatus that authenticates the contents of driver licenses having both human recognizable information and machine readable information is disclosed. The contents of the driver licenses are verified without encountering any human error. The verified contents of the driver licenses may be transferred to a remote computer for other identification purposes such as preordained organ donors or possible criminal prosecution.

Abstract: A computer-based method and system for capturing and verifying a handwritten signature. The handwritten signature may relate to a document, such as an electronically stored document. An image of the document is displayed. A user signs the document electronically, and the handwritten signature is electronically captured. A set of measurements relating to the handwritten signature is determined and stored in a signature envelope. Optionally, a checksum of a checksum of the document can be determined and stored in the signature envelope. The claimed identity of the signatory can also be stored in the signature envelope. The signature envelope is encrypted. The signature envelope can be communicated to another application or computer platform, or stored for later verification. The signature envelope is decrypted, and the set of measurements stored in the signature envelope are compared against a known set of handwritten signature measurements to verify the identity of the signatory.

Abstract: A system for the supply of forge-proof information about an article. The system has a first element characterized by an information content (I1) and a second element characterized by an information content (I2). Both elements are connected to the article. The two elements are linked to a logic connective where the information contents (I1) and (I2) are compared. One of the information contents relates to a statement as to whether the article is disposable or returnable.

Abstract: A method of validating, and an apparatus for sensing, selected properties of media is described. The method comprises the steps of: a) providing a sensor apparatus comprising a monochromatic light source and a light detector, whereby the detector is positioned to receive only diffusely reflected light from the source; b) locating an item of media in the path of the sensor apparatus; c) activating the monochromatic light source, and detecting light diffusely reflected from the media, to provide an output from the detector containing data relating to the response of the media to said light source; d) moving the media with respect to the sensor apparatus; e) repeating step c) and optionally step d) at least once, so as to gather sample data from different areas of the media; f) processing the sample data to determine a selected characteristic of the media; and g) comparing the sample data against a reference database of data obtained from genuine media.

Abstract: A carrier case for accommodating paper sheets, cards or the like having radio frequency data carriers attached thereto or watermarked therein. A device is provided for reading out information from the radio frequency data carriers while eliminating the need for externally removing the paper sheets, cards or the like having the radio frequency data carriers attached thereto or watermarked therein. The carrier case is provided therein with an opening for insertion of the data reading device, and is also provided with a movable divider plate. When it is desired to read out data from the radio frequency data carriers, the divider plate is tilted so that the data reading device can read out the data from the data carriers with a good sensitivity in a relationship contacted with the radio frequency data carriers or not contacted therewith.

Abstract: Assembly including a container and a device provided for computerized monitoring of a contents of the container. The device has a flexible support and one of an electronic chip and a memory card affixed to the flexible support. The flexible support comprises a printed circuit and an antenna capable of communicating with a computerized system. The antenna is one of integrated with the flexible support and attached to the flexible support. A protective compartment is provided containing a sample of the contents of the container. The flexible support is coupled to the sample. The protective compartment is removably attached to the container so as to be recouped for the purpose of one of examination or filing.

Abstract: An apparatus for validating chip cards, which also have a magnetic stripe, comprises a magnetic stripe reader and a chip card reader. The outputs of the readers for a card are compared and, if they agree, the user is informed that the card is valid.