Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a composite film comprising an indication area for preventing forgery is provided. The indication area comprises a magnetic solution distributed in a cured medium. The magnetic solution is a colloidal solution in which a plurality of magnetic particles charged in the same polarity are dispersed in a fluid, at least one of reflective light and transmittance of the magnetic solution changing when a magnetic field is applied, and an expressive material, of which a predetermined characteristic is expressed when specific energy is applied, is present separately from the magnetic solution in the cured medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coloured magnetisable security element which is suitable for the protection/verification of articles to be protected against counterfeiting and copying, in particular documents of value, is machine-readable and has a specific absorption behaviour in the NIR region, to a method for the verification of a security element of this type, and to the use of the security element for the protection and/or verification of products.

Abstract: A security device includes an optically variable device (OVD) having diffraction-based micro-optics including at least one moiré magnified visual representation of a micro-object. A diffractive structure provides micro-objects with unique optical effects when the OVD is viewed through the micro-object structure from a predetermined relative observation point. In addition to magnifying the micro-objects, the diffractive structure can impart optical effects such as change in observed color, enhanced contrast, animation of the observed visual representation, and change in size or shape of the observed visual representation. The micro-objects and the diffractive structure can be disposed on the same or different portions of a substrate. A method of making OVDs, and an article employing such OVDs are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for including a double layer security mark in digital document data defining an image of a document to be printed and in the printed document. A fluorescence mark region including a fluorescence mark is defined using first and second metameric colorant mixtures. Variation in colorant spatial coverage between the first and second metameric colorant mixtures results in colorant-free areas that define the fluorescence mark due to substrate fluorescence under UV illumination. The fluorescence mark region is modified to define a double layer fluorescence mark region including the fluorescence mark and also including at least one visible light object defined by a third colorant mixture. The third colorant mixture is added to the fluorescence mark region by masking the colorant-free areas of the fluorescence mark region to prevent writing of the third colorant mixture data to the colorant-free areas to avoid disturbing the colorant-free areas.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel fluorescent molecule having formula 1 which exhibit emission color change when in contact with moisture useful for the preparation of fluorescent paper, allowing self-erasable writing, security label for document authenticity, check and prevention of currency counterfeit Compound of formula 1, when coated on paper, results in blue emitting surfaces on which writing is possible using water as ink. The images undergo self-erasal after 6 hours making the paper reusable or instantly with hot air. The images are visible only on illumination with a UV lamp having wavelength 365 nm. The material can be coated on any document to create security label which changes color on touching with a wet surface or water pen and will go back to the native color when the moisture is dried off after a time frame.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of security documents, more particularly in the field of security elements aimed to protect security documents against copying (illegal reproduction) and counterfeiting. It discloses a security element having a security feature which changes its visual appearance after irradiation with light, especially with UV light and at rotation and/or tilting. Security documents comprising said security element, as well as a method for producing said security element, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for producing a gloss watermark includes depositing a heat-softenable marking material onto a receiver. A heatable fixing member is surfaced in a selected region so that the surface roughness of the fixing member in the selected region is different than the surface roughness of the fixing member outside the selected region. The surfaced fixing member is heated. After the deposition step, pressure is applied to the marking-material-bearing portion of the receiver using the heated fixing member, so that the marking material flows and acquires a gloss in a differentiated region on the receiver corresponding to the selected region of the fixing member that is different than the gloss of the marking material outside the differentiated region to create the gloss watermark on the surface of the marking material.

Abstract: A security element, security device and method of forming a security device wherein the security element includes focusing elements, a first group of image elements, and a second group of image elements, each image element being located in an object plane to be viewable through a focusing element, and being located a distance from the focusing element such that the focal point width of the focusing element in the object plane is substantially equal to the size of the image element or differs from the size of the image element by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A liquid crystal polymer marking is obtainable by a process that comprises applying a chiral liquid crystal precursor composition onto a substrate, heating the composition to a chiral liquid crystal state, applying to at least one area of the precursor composition a modifying composition, if necessary, heating the at least one area to bring same to a modified liquid crystal state, and subsequently curing and/or polymerizing the resultant product. This abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A liquid crystal polymer marking is obtainable by a process that comprises applying a first chiral liquid crystal precursor composition onto a substrate, heating the composition to bring same to a first chiral liquid crystal state, applying to at least one area of the first composition a second chiral liquid crystal precursor composition, heating the at least one area to bring same to a second chiral liquid crystal state, and subsequently curing and/or polymerizing the resultant product. This abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A liquid crystal polymer marking is obtainable by a process that comprises applying a chiral liquid crystal precursor composition onto a substrate, heating the composition to a bring same to a chiral liquid crystal state, locally applying at least one modifying agent to modify the chiral liquid crystal state, and curing and/or polymerization the resultant product. This abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A liquid crystal polymer marking is obtainable by a process that comprises applying a chiral liquid crystal precursor composition onto a substrate, heating the composition to a first chiral liquid crystal state, applying to at least one area of the precursor composition a chiral dopant composition, heating the at least one area to bring same to a second chiral liquid crystal state, and subsequently curing and/or polymerizing the resultant product. This abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A method of preventing and/or deterring a criminal act, comprising standardizing a coordinated approach to a coding system for the identification of stolen property; advertising or publishing the method through a coordinated media campaign to maximize the psychological impact on the criminal mind that acts as the deterrent; and (3) sustaining the deterrent effect by equipping and training police forces so as to maximize the effectiveness of identifying and gathering evidence.

Abstract: A taggant composition including a taggant material that is invisible in light of the visible spectrum and fluoresces under a non-visible excitation energy, a binder, and a solvent in which the taggant material and the binder are dissolved. The taggant composition can be printed or otherwise applied to a material such as fabric to provide a detectable and identifiable indicium. A method and apparatus for detecting and decoding the taggant indicium are also provided.

Abstract: A printed document of value has an authenticity feature in the form of at least two luminescent substances on the basis of host lattices which are doped with one or a plurality of ions. By systematically changing the host lattices and/or ions of the (nd)3 electron configuration a specific setting of the luminescence properties of luminescent substances is possible, the combination of which permits a multiplicity of complex new authenticity features.

Abstract: A laser markable security laser transfer film includes a carrier web formed from a laser light-transmissive material and a taggant-containing film disposed on the carrier web. The taggant-containing film is formulated from an energy sensitive taggant capable of withstanding temperatures of at least about 1800° F. to about 2200° F. The taggant absorbs energy at a first predetermined wavelength and, in response, emits energy at a second predetermined wavelength that is different from the first wavelength. The taggant-containing film further includes a polymeric resin. The taggant-containing film is disposed on the object to be marked with the taggant-containing film adjacent the object, and laser light is directed through the film to fuse the taggant-containing film onto the object to form a taggant-containing marking on the object.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a polymer strip useful to secure information contained on a face of a card includes the steps of extruding a polymer resin to form an optically transparent strip and then embossing an optically variable device into a first surface of this optically transparent strip. A time from when the optically transparent strip exits an extruder until embossing is effective to prevent the optically transparent strip from cooling to a temperature below 120° C. Subsequent to embossing, the optically variable device may be entirely or partially metalized. Alternatively, or in addition, to the metallization, security features may be formed into that first surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coating composition, comprising shaped transition metal, especially silver, particles and a binder, wherein the ratio of pigment to binder is such that the resulting coating shows an angle dependent colour change. When the coating compositions of the present invention are used in coating a hologram the obtained products show a an angle dependent colour change (flip/flop effect), different colours in reflection and transmission, an extremely bright OVD image and extremely strong rainbow effect, high purity and contrast.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compound for manufacturing watermark in a textile sheet material and the corresponding composition, material, method and use. The compound for manufacturing a watermark in a textile sheet material of formula wherein X is hexamethylene, trimethylhexamethylene, isophorone, dicyclohexylmethyl, tetramethylxylylene, tetramethylenexylene, xylylene, trimethylhexamethylene, hydrogenated 4,4?-diphenylmethylene, 1,12-dodecylene, 1,5-2-methylpentylene; 1,4-butylene; 1,4-cyclohexylene, or a compound of formula 5 R1 is a linear aliphatic C1-C12 alkyl radical or a branched aliphatic C3-C18 alkyl radical R2 is a radical of formula wherein R4 is methoxy or ethoxy R5 and R6 are H, methoxy, ethoxy, methyl or ethyl R7 is cyclohexyl, phenyl or aliphatic C3-C6 alkyl R3 is a linear aliphatic C1-C12 alkyl radical or a branched aliphatic C3-C18 alkyl radical n is 0 or 1.

Abstract: The invention relates to read/write methods for information hidden from visual perception and can be used to visualize hidden images of identification of an object, which provide protection against unauthorized reproduction. The surface of the object is first polished. An optically invisible marking image is formed on the polished surface by modifying at least one area of the surface, which changes the surface energy of modified sites. Said marking image is visualized by establishing a meta-stable environment in the vicinity of the aforementioned surface of the object. The marking image is produced in the form of distinguished structures formed by stable phase particles of the meta-stable environment at the sites of the object surface having different surface energy. Prior to performing a visualization process of the optically invisible marking image, the surface containing the modified areas is electrically-charged and cleaned by friction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security tag made by randomly distributing a mixture of large numbers of multicolored objects into a unique, non-reproducible geometric array and encapsulating it onto a substrate. The 3-D aspect of the objects will prevent printing or 2-D copying of the stamp. The data, saved to a secure database, can be processed and quantities can be calculated from the field of binary data and can be affixed to the part that the stamp is affixed to. For one level of authentication, the array can be read out by scanner and compared to values printed on the part. For an additional level of authentication, the array can be read out by optical scanner and compared to the data stored in the secure database. The security tag is capable of replacing 2-D barcodes while containing only information capable of being scanned by 2-D barcode scanners.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for identifying an article of manufacture may include: producing a plurality of multilayer photonic structures, wherein each of the plurality of multilayer photonic structures has a unique intensity profile; incorporating one of the plurality of multilayer photonic structures that produces the unique intensity profile into a coating; and generating an electronic code corresponding to the unique intensity profile of one of the plurality of multilayer photonic structures.

Abstract: A security film including, in order, a transparent biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate support (1), a subbing layer (2, 2?) and a laser markable layer (3, 3?) comprising a laser additive and one or more polymers selected from the group consisting of polystyrene, polycarbonate and styrene acrylonitrile.

Abstract: A radiation diffractive film is disclosed, which includes a viewing surface, with at least a portion of the viewing surface residing in a viewing plane. The film comprises an ordered periodic array of particles received in a matrix material, the array of particles having a crystalline structure, wherein the crystalline structure defines (i) a plurality of first crystal planes of the particles that diffract infrared radiation and (ii) a plurality of second crystal planes of the particles that diffract visible radiation.

Abstract: Device for the counterfeit protection of a banknote, a document of value or an article. The device includes a substrate (S), and on the substrate (S) a plurality of jointly visible zones of first (1) and of second (2) hardened coatings including oriented pigment particles (P1, P2) in a transparent binder (M1, M2), the first (1) hardened coating having a pigment orientation imitating a first curved surface and the second (2) hardened coating having a pigment orientation imitating a second curved surface different from the first curved surface. The device is characterized in that, along a linear section through the device, at least one zone of the second (2) hardened coating is contiguously located between two zones of the first (1) hardened coating. Method for producing the device, the use of the device, as well as security documents carrying said device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a security document and method of production thereof. The security document (10) comprises: a polymer substrate (12) having first (14) and second (22) surfaces; a security feature (16) formed in a region of at least one of said first and second surfaces of said polymer substrate; an opacifying layer (18, 24) formed on at least a portion of at least one of said first and second surfaces of said polymer substrate; a printed design formed on at least a portion of said opacifying layer; and wherein said security feature is formed at least prior to said printed design being formed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing a latent polarized image having high contrast characteristics with no apparent contours or traces of the image under normal visualization. A polymer solution is prepared in an organic solvent, and then applied onto a light-reflecting substrate. The polymer layer is dried to produce an optically isotropic polymer layer and anisotropic images are formed on the polymer layer. The polymer solution's concentration is from 5 to 30% by weight, and the images are formed by application of micro-lines by thermo-mechanical means, having depths from 1 to 3 ?m and being separated from one another by 4 to 6 ?m at a process rate from 10 to 50 m/min. The thermomechanical means operates at a temperature that is 10 to 60% less than the polymer melting/disintegration temperature and contacts the polymer layer to form micro-lines for 0.015 to 0.650 msec.

Abstract: Particles conveying a code are incorporated into polymer matrix to form a core document substrate. These particles may be colored to create a distinctive look of the document that makes it unique for a particular document issuer and enables visual authentication. Addition of a covert attribute to the particle, such as a UV pigment or hidden layer of material, allows a covert, forensic characteristic and it also allows a mathematical description to be calculated describing the random distribution of a specific area on a document and then captured on it (e.g., in the bar code or magnetic stripe or digital watermark on an ID document).

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for printing using paste like inks such as those used in intaglio printing, wherein the inks include specialty flakes such as thin film optically variable flakes, or diffractive flakes. The invention discloses an apparatus having an energy source such as a heat source for temporarily lessening the viscosity of the ink during alignment of the flakes within the ink.

Abstract: A security coating on an electronic circuit assembly comprises a mesh coating that may have a unique signature pattern and comprise materials that easily produce an image of the signature so that it is possible to determine if reverse engineering has been attempted. Spaces in the mesh may include electrical components to erase circuit codes to destroy the functionality and value of the protected die if the mesh coated is disturbed. The voids may include compositions to enhance the mesh signature and abrade the circuit if tampering takes place.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for including a double layer security mark in digital document data defining an image of a document to be printed and in the printed document, itself. A fluorescence mark region including a fluorescence mark is defined using first and second metameric colorant mixtures. Variation in colorant spatial coverage between the first and second metameric colorant mixtures results in colorant-free areas that define the fluorescence mark due to substrate fluorescence under UV illumination. The fluorescence mark region is modified to define a double layer fluorescence mark region including the fluorescence mark and also including at least one visible light object defined by a third colorant mixture. The third colorant mixture is added to the fluorescence mark region by masking the colorant-free areas of the fluorescence mark region to prevent writing of the third colorant mixture data to the colorant-free areas so as not to disturb the colorant-free areas.

Abstract: Fibres having a plurality of coloured regions printed on front and rear sides of said fibre are disclosed, wherein the colours are visible only under ultra-violet light. The regions may be in the form of stripes or may be arranged in a pseudo-random pattern. The regions may be differently coloured. Such fibres can be incorporated into paper products as a form of counterfeit protection.

Abstract: The invention can be summarized as follows. There is provided one or more DNA coating compositions that comprise one or more polymer compounds, water, and optionally one or more non-water polar solvents. The DNA coating composition may also comprise DNA. Also provided are methods and kits for marking objects with a DNA coating composition comprising DNA.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of a loss prevention system includes: providing a disc having a top planar surface; and applying an identification mark on the top planar surface, the identification mark containing covert security information.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for coating particles with a luminescent inorganic shell. Furthermore, the invention relates to particles having a luminescent inorganic shell and also use thereof.

Abstract: A method for creating a security mark includes applying a first color fluorescence ink to a substrate and applying a second color fluorescent ink to the substrate is provided. The second color fluorescent ink overlies at least a portion of the substrate where said first color fluorescent ink is applied. A third color is applied to the substrate adjacent the substrate area where said second color fluorescent ink is applied. The first color fluorescent ink, the second color fluorescent ink and the third color border are such that a security mark is formed on the substrate. The blue color fluorescence, the red color fluorescence and the third color on the substrate are such that when viewed through a lens the security mark optical characteristics change. The change is from the optical characteristics of the security mark when the security mark is not illuminated with fluorescence-exciting radiation to a different optical characteristics when the security mark is illuminated with fluorescence exciting radiation.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus (2) for locating and detecting a fingerprint deposited on a surface (10), the method comprising setting up an electric field such that a differential charge density is produced coincident with the location of a fingerprint deposited on the surface. By deploying a conductive powder or other detection element selectively attractable to the surface (10) coincident with the differential charge density in the region of the fingerprint deposit a fingerprint deposited on the surface (10) is located and detected.

Abstract: A photographic material for image display including an intimately sorbed contrast agent that provides a contrast layer against which the recorded image can be seen regardless of the nature and colour of the background.

Abstract: The present invention enables creating authenticable multi-ink luminescent continuous tone color halftone images offering means of verifying their authenticity. The invented luminescent color halftone image synthesizing techniques enable increasing the attractiveness and aesthetics of color images. The invention relies on daylight luminescent inks, color prediction models for daylight luminescent halftones, color gamuts of luminescent and non-luminescent inks, color separation into luminescent and non-luminescent ink layers, mapping of input gamuts into a luminescent target gamuts by gamut reduction and/or expansion strategies, and luminescent color halftone image generation. The basic authentication is performed by examining the excitation trace image of the synthesized luminescent color halftone image under an illuminant active within its excitation wavelength range.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security material comprising a carrier and at least one photochromic Protein and/or a mutein of a photochromic protein. The security material is characterized in that it comprises at least one irreversible photosensitive layer on the carrier, and the at least one photochromic protein and/or mutein is contained at least in the at least one photosensitive layer and/or in an optional additional layer. The inventive security material is also characterized in that it is highly forgery-proof, the photochromic biomolecule cannot be removed therefrom in a usable form, and the photochromic biomolecule does not need to be supplied to a large group of clients.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly including an article to be authenticated, an authentication composition and a member for applying the composition, capable of retaining said composition by capillarity, wherein the article to be identified contains a first reagent selected from nickel, copper, cobalt or iron derivatives, or from dithiooxamide or oxime derivatives capable of reacting with a second reagent of the authentication composition selected respectively from among dithioxmide or oxmime derivatives or from nickel, copper, cobalt or iron derivatives, so as to form a visible and permanent coloured mark.

Abstract: A security label (310) comprises a first layer (114) of a non-affixing polymeric coating printed on a coating receiving surface (362) of a carrier film substrate (112). Affixing portions (121) of a second layer (118) adhere to the carrier film substrate (112) via affixing regions (116) defined by the first layer (114). The first layer (14) is less adherable to the carrier film substrate (12) than the second layer (18), so that, in use, when the carrier film substrate (12) is removed from the first layer (14), the affixing portions (121) of the second layer (18) remain adhered to the carrier film substrate (12) and are disassociated from an adhesive material layer (120), and those portions of the second layer which are not affixing portions remain associated with the adhesive material layer (120) and are disassociated from the carrier film substrate (112).

Abstract: Surface modified optically variable product to provide security features in packaging materials and currency notes to prevent counterfeiting. Surface modified optically variable product is optionally readily functionalized to disperse them in organic and aqueous inks.

Abstract: A method for labeling a UV-fluorescing substrate includes positioning a UV-fluorescing substrate adjacent to an inkjet material dispenser, and selectively jetting an edible, invisible, non-UV fluorescing ink onto the UV-fluorescing substrate with the inkjet material dispenser.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing tamper-proof identification elements, and to tamper-proof identification elements produced according to said method and consisting respectively of at least one layer (2) reflecting electromagnetic waves (3), a spacer layer, and a layer consisting of metallic clusters (4). According to said method, a partial or all-over layer reflecting electromagnetic waves is applied to a carrier substrate (1), followed by at least one partial and/or all-over polymer layer having a defined thickness (3), and a layer consisting of metallic clusters which is produced by means of a method using vacuum technology or from systems based on solvents is then applied to said spacer layer(s).

Abstract: A portable consumer device having a substrate layer, a protective layer and a diamond-based brittle material layer having an intentionally created unique fissure or cracked patterns or crystal zone boundaries and systems and methods for making and using same are disclosed. The diamond-based brittle material layer includes a diamond material. The unique random fissure or cracked pattern and crystal zone boundaries, or the electromagnetic signature based thereon, of the brittle material layer are detected and used to authenticate the portable consumer device.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical disk barcode forming method wherein, as information to be barcoded, position information for piracy prevention, which is a form of ID, is coded as a barcode and is recorded by laser trimming on a reflective film in a PCA area of an optical disk. When playing back the thus manufactured optical disk on a reproduction apparatus, the barcode data can be played back using the same optical pickup.

Abstract: A secure tag coding method and device. The method comprises: providing a first type of secure tag having a first luminescence profile to indicate a first level code; providing a second type of secure tag having a second luminescence profile different from the first luminescence profile to indicate a second level code; mixing secure tags of the first type with secure tags of the second type in a predetermined ratio so that excitation of the mixed secure tags produces a composite of the first luminescence profile and the second luminescence profile, from which composite a multi-level code can be ascertained; and applying the mixture of first and second types of secure tags to a substrate. The substrate carrying this secure tag coding arrangement provides multi-level codes. The device for selecting and applying the secure tag coding arrangement to the substrate is also described.

Abstract: A document of value is provided comprising a soil or wear level test feature for determining whether the document of value is soiled. The soil or wear level test feature comprises: a reference area comprising a first region of the document; and a measurement area comprising a second region of the document. The reflectance of the measurement area is affected differently by the presence of soil or wear to that of the reference area, such that the difference in reflectance between the reference area and the measurement area provides an indicator of the degree of soiling or of the degree of wear of the document of value. Also provided is a method for detecting the soil or wear level of a document of value.

Abstract: A method for creating a structured surface or a safety or decorative feature based thereon in a process of the printing industry wherein a liquid, preferably ink or varnish, and particles, preferably pearlescent pigments or a material having a similar effect are applied to a substrate. The liquid is provided with a surface structure and is characterized by a creation of a random surface structure, in particular a structure of mountains and valleys, of the liquid and by the creation of a random particle distribution, preferably a random particle orientation, by blowing a gas such as air onto the unhardened liquid which may be heated if desired. The surface that is thus created has a unique structure that is discernible by the human eye or detectable by camera and may, for instance, have a light/dark change.