Abstract: Cards embodying the invention include a core subassembly whose elements define the functionality of the card and a hard coat subassembly attached to the top and/or bottom sides of the core subassembly to protect the core subassembly from wear and tear and being scratched. The core subassembly may be formed solely of plastic layers or of different combinations of plastic and metal layers and may include all the elements of a smart card enabling contactless RF communication and/or direct contact communication. The hard coat subassembly includes a hard coat layer, which typically includes nanoparticles, and a buffer or primer layer formed so as to be attached between the hard coat layer and the core subassembly for enabling the lasering of the core subassembly without negatively impacting the hard coat layer and/or for imparting color to the card.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for securing credentials with optical security features formed by quasi-random optical characteristics (QROCs) of credential substrates. A QROC can be a pattern of substrate element locations (SELs) on the substrate that includes some SELs that differ in optical response from surrounding SELs. During manufacturing, a QROC of a substrate can be characterized, hidden by a masking layer, and associated with a substrate identifier. During personalization, personalization data can be converted into an authentication graphic formed on the substrate by de-masking portions of the masking layer according to a de-masking pattern. The graphic formation can result in a representation that manifests a predetermined optical response only when the de-masking pattern is computed with knowledge of the hidden QROC. The authentication graphic and optical response can facilitate simple human authentication of the credential without complex or expensive detection equipment.

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: Generally, polymeric members and laser marking methods for producing visible marks on polymeric members, such as on thin and/or curved surfaces. The laser marking methods can include methods of laser marking straws with the step of matching laser source properties to the properties of straws being marked or with the step of laser marking straws having photochromic dyes.

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 color of the background.

Abstract: A method of producing a data carrier with a marking is disclosed. The data carrier includes a laser-markable portion and a beam-modifying portion adjacent the laser-markable portion. The beam-modifying portion has a beam modifying property. The method includes irradiating a laser beam through the beam-modifying portion to allow the beam modifying property thereof to modify at least one beam property to produce a resultant laser beam. This resultant laser beam creates a marking with a visual impression corresponding to the resultant laser beam at the laser-markable portion. The method further includes modifying the beam modifying property of at least a part of the beam-modifying portion through which the laser beam is irradiated for creating the marking so that the exact same resultant beam is difficult to be obtained thereat. A data carrier thereby produced is also disclosed.

Abstract: A toner set includes a plurality of toners, at least one toner but less than all toners of the toner set including binder, colorant and fluorescence agent and remaining additional toners including binder, colorant and free of fluorescence agent. At least a first toner grouping and a second toner grouping of the toner set form a combination, the first and second groupings of the combination exhibiting a substantially same color under ambient light conditions upon image formation. The first toner grouping and the second toner grouping of the combination contain a different amount of the fluorescence agent, wherein upon exposure to activating energy, the fluorescence agent fluoresces to cause a visible change in the color of a pattern formed in an image by the first toner grouping as compared to the second toner grouping.

Abstract: A method of producing an image in the crystalline colloidal array is disclosed. The method includes providing an ordered array of particles received within a curable matrix composition; curing a first portion of the matrix composition, wherein the first cured portion diffracts radiation at a first wavelength; curing another portion of the matrix composition, wherein the other cured portion diffracts radiation at another wavelength; and exposing the array to radiation to exhibit an image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to printable security paper that includes a region capable of receiving printed indicia on the front side and on the reverse side which are observable in reflected light and form an image observable in transmitted light, as security element protecting against two-sided copying, characterized in that such region is a screened region having an average overall opacity less than the opacity of the vellum part of the rest of the paper, said screened region being made up from alternations of vellum miniregions, having an approximately constant thickness equal to that of the vellum part of the rest of the paper, and of miniregions of reduced opacity because of their smaller thickness compared with the vellum miniregions. The invention also relates to the security document obtained with this paper.

Abstract: An information recording medium includes a transparent recording member and a substantially non-transparent member. The transparent recording member has at least one transparent area and a concavo-convex pattern on a first surface thereof while bearing a reverse toner image on a second surface thereof. The substantially non-transparent member is formed on the second surface of the transparent recording member.

Abstract: A document containing security images which enable original documents to be distinguished from copies of the originals. The document 60 bears an image 63 containing a latent image 68. Latent image 68 may be formed from two or more images 65 and 66. The first image 65 is preferably formed at a high line frequency and at a first angle in one or more colors. The second image 66 is preferably formed at a lower line frequency at the same angle as first image 65 and in one or more colors. The colors in the first image 65 and the second image 66 are preferably chosen so that latent image 68 has substantially the same color as image 63.

Abstract: Disclosed is a birefringent marking material comprising a vehicle for the marking material and birefringent nanoparticles having an average particle size of less than about 700 nm. The birefringent marking material, such as an ink or a toner, can be used to provide a security marking on or in an item, thereby enabling authentication of the item containing the image formed using the birefringent marking material.

Abstract: The invention concerns a security document comprising, as security element against recto/verso copying, indicia present on both sides and capable of being viewed under reflected lighting and forming an image capable of being viewed under transmitted light. The invention is characterized in that said indicia comprise lines and form said image with 3D effect.

Abstract: A component for authenticating a document or a product including a plastic film having at least one embossed surface, a metallization layer at least partially covering the embossed surface, the film and the metallized layer forming an embossed film having a first zone producing a rainbow effect according to a first orientation of the component in relation to a lighting direction, the rainbow effect disappearing when the component is oriented substantially perpendicularly to the first orientation, and a second zone which has been partially demetallized and remetallized with a dielectric material producing an effect of being colored by a first color for the first orientation of the component and by a second different color for the orientation substantially perpendicular to the first orientation.

Abstract: A system and method for coding an intermediate film element, e.g., an interpositive or an internegative, in an effective manner while maintaining the integrity of the film element. A first coat of a stabilizer is applied to frames of a selected scene. A second coat of stabilizer is applied, and a third coat of stabilizer is thereafter applied. A security code according to the present invention may be applied to specifically selected locations on a reel or footage so as to create a unique code which is traceable to, e.g., a specific laboratory.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a unique dual color security paper authentication system. The authenticating system comprises the combination of a security paper together with a coordinated applicator. The paper contains a starch, an iodide salt and an acidic developer resin. The applicator of the system comprises two authenticating solutions. The first authenticating solution comprises one or more of a sulfonamide and a copper salt dispersed in a solvent. The second authenticating solution comprises one or more of a leuco and fluoran dye precursor dispersed in a solvent. On applying the authenticating solutions to authentic security paper, a first color of a starch iodine is expressed and a second color of a leuco or fluoran dye is expressed.

Abstract: A holographic optical element (HOE) that includes a deep image hologram and a method for using this HOE as a security device are described. The deep image hologram is viewable with a collimated or at least partially collimated light source having a center wavelength in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum and a spectral bandwidth, wherein the spectral bandwidth of the collimated or at least partially collimated light source at least partially overlaps the spectral bandwidth of the deep image hologram. The deep image hologram is not viewable (i.e., appears essentially unrecognizable to the human eye) with a diffuse lighting source, such as ordinary room lighting.

Abstract: A process for providing a security paper, in particular a banknote, with a coloured marking, comprising providing a photosensitive preparation on a portion of said document and submitting at least selected areas of said portion to a light beam, wherein said preparation is capable of forming a film on said portion and comprises a substance capable of producing colloidal metal particles under the effect of UV irradiation, and said areas are irradiated by means of an UV-light beam.

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: Provided are an indicating material having excellent facility and high security and an indicating method for recording and indicating information on this indicating material. The indicating material has a structure that an ultraviolet light-screening layer having visible light-transmitting ability is laminated on a recording layer having visible light-transmitting ability and composed of a recording layer-forming material containing a color-developing component that becomes a color-developed state by the action of ultraviolet light. The indicating method is an indicating method for recording and indicating information on the above-described indicating material, comprising condensing a laser beam having a wavelength of a visible range or longer on the recording layer in the indicating material to irradiate the recording layer with the laser beam and recording and indicating the information by two-photon absorption.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a nonmetallic, tamper-indicating, multi-layer label with a metallic appearance is described. The label comprises a pearlescent layer, a film layer, a patterned release layer, and a pigmented adhesive layer with the provisos that (i) the pigmented adhesive layer is an exterior layer of the label and is substantially free of pearlescent pigment, and (ii) the patterned release layer is an interior layer of the label. Each layer has first and second opposing planar surfaces, and each layer is in intimate contact with the layer or layers immediately adjacent to it. In another embodiment, two layers, one layer comprising a non-pearlescent pigment and the other layer comprising the adhesive, replace the pigmented adhesive layer.

Abstract: An anti-copy film is disclosed. The film has a light transmissive imageable substrate having opposing first and second surfaces. Each surface has an image receptive coating. Complementary positive and negative images are disposed on the first and second surfaces such that an imaged area on the first surface is in registration with a non-imaged area on the second surface. The anti-copy film appears substantially opaque when viewed orthogonally to and appears partially transparent when viewed obliquely to either the first or second surfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to printing of documents, for example bank checks. According to the various aspects of the invention, a printing system, process and product with microprinting are provided. Documents printed as described may include digitally variable microprint and other enhancements. The invention is particularly useful for enhanced security documents and the production thereof.

Abstract: Method for producing an exposed substrate, which has at least two different image areas. The substrate is provided with at least two photoresist layers, which are adjusted to the type of image areas to be produced.

Abstract: A system and a method for printing a secure document that is difficult to forge and readily easy to visually verify are disclosed. The system includes a colorant for printing an image on a surface of a document, a dye for forming a latent version of the image underneath the surface, a substrate, and a migration agent for facilitating the migration of the dye through at least a portion of the substrate. The migration agent may be coated onto a portion of the substrate or embedded within the substrate. An ink may serve as the migration agent, in which case, the ink contains a solute for the dye.

Abstract: A toner for printing documents that are difficult to chemically or physically forge and that are readily easy to visually verify and methods of using and forming the toner are disclosed. The toner includes a colorant for printing an image on a surface of a document and a dye for forming a latent version of the image underneath a surface of a substrate. An image formed using the toner of the invention is readily verified by comparing the colorant-formed image and the dye-formed image. In addition, if a solvent is used in an attempt to alter the printed image on the substrate, the dye migrates or diffuses to indicate tampering with the document.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optically variable element having surface portions with achromatic surface structures and different scatter, diffraction and reflection characteristics. The achromatic surface structures are combined with a thin-film structure, whereby upon turning or tilting the optically variable element, it is not the impression of a continuous color transition, but a defined, almost discrete color change that is produced for the viewer.

Abstract: An optical device for security and anti-counterfeit applications has a holographic diffractive structure that includes a discrete region that in response to white light illumination generates a holographic image by a process of diffraction of light in one embodiment combined with a paper substrate which also contains a secure mark produced by laser ablation of the structure, the mark being characterised by various attributes: variable cut width and pattern, being visible both in reflected light and also in transmitted light, variable depth of cut, variable perforation visible in transmission, variable reflection characteristics. In one embodiment when combined with paper based laser mark has elements in both metallised diffractive region and paper region, the marks on different regions showing different characteristics and thereby securely linking diffractive structure and paper substrate and also showing different characteristics of marking pattern on the different materials.

Abstract: In a system for authenticating information, a holographic element, including a first layer of optical information in a first coded pattern and a second layer of optical information in a second coded pattern is inserted into a reader. The reader includes an opening into which the holographic element may be positioned, a light source, a first detector positioned at a first predetermined distance from the location of the holographic element when the holographic element is positioned in the opening, and a second detector positioned at a second predetermined distance from the location of the holographic element when the holographic element is positioned in the opening.

Abstract: Numerous embodiments of an apparatus and method for generating an identification feature are described. In one embodiment of the present invention, portions of an identification character printed with thermochromatic ink are distributed within a three-dimensional matrix of a multi-layer patch. The multi-layer patch may be disposed above a substrate.

Abstract: Numerous embodiments of an apparatus and method for generating an identification feature are described. In one embodiment of the present invention, portions of an identification character printed with thermochromatic ink are distributed within a three-dimensional matrix of a multi-layer patch. The multi-layer patch may be disposed above a substrate.

Abstract: The present invention describes security paper and security items in general containing at least one security element having at least one photoluminescent segment characterized by a linearly polarized photoluminescence and/or a linearly polarized absorption. The present invention also describes a method of producing such security items as well as the use thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photographic article comprising a base material carrying at least one layer comprising a photographic image formed by combination of dyes formed from couplers wherein areas of said photo image are colored without dyes formed by couplers.

Abstract: The invention relates to an image device comprising a base material having a pattern of diffuse and specular metallic reflectivity and overlaying said pattern an image.

Abstract: A system and method for printing documents that are difficult to forge and that are easy to visually verify are disclosed. The system includes a colorant for printing an image on a surface of a document and a dye for forming a latent version of the image underneath the surface and a substrate that includes a migration agent for facilitating the migration of the dye through at least a portion of the substrate. The migration-enhancing agent may be coated onto a portion of the substrate or embedded within the substrate.

Abstract: A toner for printing documents that are difficult to forge and that are readily easy to visually verify and methods of using and forming the toner are disclosed. The toner includes a colorant for printing an image on a surface of a document and a dye for forming a latent version of the image underneath a surface of a substrate. An image formed using the toner of the invention is readily verified by comparing the colorant-formed image and the dye-formed image.

Abstract: An optical structure includes a light transmissive substrate having a surface relief pattern applied thereon, such as a hologram. A patterned layer of a reflective material is applied over portions of the surface relief pattern so as to form alphanumeric characters, bars codes, or pictorial or graphical designs. An optically active coating is applied over the patterned layer of reflective material and exposed portions of the surface relief pattern in order to provide desirable optical effects to the exposed portions of the surface relief pattern. In some embodiments, the optically active coating is a color shifting thin film, or contains color shifting flakes. Optionally, the material of the optically active coating is index matched to the light transmissive substrate in order to optically erase the effect of the surface relief pattern in the portions of the surface relief pattern not covered by the reflective material.

Abstract: A label (1) made from a layer composite (15) includes at least one machine-readable diffractive bar code (3) consisting of narrow rectangular fields (4) occupied by the optically active structures and intermediate surfaces (5). The optically active structures which are covered by a reflection layer are embedded between layers of the layer composite (15). The diffractive relief structure used in the diffractive bar code (3) for the fields (4) diffracts and polarizes incident light and scatters the diffracted light into a half-space above the diffractive relief structure. A second diffractive relief structure differs at least in respect of the polarization of the polarizedly backscattered light with respect to the first diffractive relief structure. The second diffractive relief structure can be used for example for field surfaces of a second bar code in the bar code field (9) on the label (1) or for the intermediate surfaces (5).

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrophotographic toner comprising at least a binder resin and a near-infrared light absorbing material containing inorganic material particles, wherein the rate of absorption in the visible region of the electrophotographic toner is 15% or less and the average dispersion diameter of the near-infrared light absorbing material is in a range from 50 nm to 800 nm. The invention also provides an electrophotographic developer comprising the above photographic toner and a carrier. Further, the invention provides an image forming method using the above electrophotographic toner.

Abstract: This invention relates to the production of holographic devices. The holographic devices include a transparent high refractive coating that is applied selectively to provide additional security and moisture resistance.

Abstract: Holographic and diffractive security devices and documents carrying security devices as well as system, apparatus, and method for making and using security devices. Security devices provide at least one type of security feature in form of secret, hidden, or covert security feature, not visible to a normal unaided human eye. Covert security features may be any graphic or symbolic representation. One or multiple security features may be provided on any single security device in any combination. Covert feature is revealed either when a decoder device is used with the security device, or when the security device is oriented and viewed in predetermined manner. Embodiments may provide a second overt or non-covert security device in the form of a diffractive or holographic image or graphic that is visible to the unaided eye without use of any decoder or special viewing conditions.

Abstract: A fluorescent ink composition comprising functionalized fluorescent nanocrystals, an aqueous-based ink carrier comprising water or a water-based solution, and a binder.

Abstract: A security element is embedded in a layer composite of plastic material and has reflecting, optically variable surface patterns which can be visually recognized from predetermined observation directions and which are formed from a mosaic of surface elements occupied by optically active structures. A part of the surface pattern is additionally covered by a regularly arranged matrix of unit cells. Each unit cell is occupied by a single elementary surface or a group of identical surface portions that contain optically active structures which are independent of the mosaic of the surface pattern. The arrangement of the elementary surfaces and the surface portions in the matrix form an item of concealed information which is not perceptible to the naked eye, in the form of graphic or alphanumeric characters which however are reproduced in a color photocopy with a color or gray value contrast which is perceptible to the naked eye.

Abstract: Only recently the shapes and positions of the three spectral sensitivities, of the three input channels to the normal human visual system, have become known with adequate accuracy for commercial exploitation. It is now time, therefore, to design the lighting by which human observers and workers visually operate, so that a maximum of human good-seeing can result from a minimum of kilowatt-hours expended on the lighting. The method is to utilize, in the lighting, only the three spectral colors to which the visual system responds most strongly. The embodiment is a device which efficiently generates white light, using a three-component light-generating medium, the first component electrically energized to exhibit a green emission confined to the immediate wavelength neighborhood of 530 nm, the second an orange-red emission confined to the immediate wavelength neighborhood of 610 nm, and the third a blue-violet emission confined to the immediate wavelength neighborhood of 450 nm.

Abstract: Achromatic multilayer diffractive pigment flakes and foils are provided having diffractive structures thereon. The diffractive pigment flakes can have a symmetrical stacked coating structure on opposing sides of a reflective core layer, an asymmetrical stacked coating structure on one side of a reflective layer, or can be formed with one or more encapsulating coatings around the reflective core layer. The diffractive pigment flakes can be interspersed into liquid media such as paints or inks to produce diffractive compositions for subsequent application to a variety of objects. The foils can be laminated to various objects or can be formed on a carrier substrate. The diffractive pigment flakes and foils can be formed with a variety of diffractive structures thereon to produce selected optical effects. The diffractive foils and diffractive compositions applied to an object exhibit an iridescent diffractive effect over an achromatic background.

Abstract: An iridescent material comprises a diffraction grating incorporating a plurality of sheets (1) of a first substantially transparent material in parallel alignment and spaced away apart by quantities of a second substantially transparent material (2), the second material having a refractive index significantly lower than the refractive index of the first material, the plates being tilted at an angle &thgr; to an axis X and the grating having a period d(X) in the direction of axis X, the angle &thgr; and period d being such that a second diffraction grating is provided along an axis Z, perpendicular to axis X, the second diffraction grating having a period d(Z) and consisting of ten periods or less and whereby, the diffraction conditions of the grating can be simultaneously fulfilled by electromagentic radiation of a range of wavelength thereby causing iridescence.

Abstract: A counterfeit-resistant document comprises a substrate and a nano-pattern of nano-structures disposed on the substrate, wherein the nano-pattern is configured for forming a latent message (e.g., a warning or alert message) that appears on a copy of the document. The nano-pattern forms one of a foreground and a background of the latent message; and another pattern, e.g., a conventional pattern or another nano-pattern, forms the other of the foreground and background of the latent message. The nano-pattern and the other pattern are configured, such that the foreground and background exhibit substantially similar visual densities on an original of the document, and exhibit substantially different visual densities on the copied document. This can be accomplished by forming the nano-pattern with nano-structures (e.g.

Abstract: A process comprising applying a toner security mark on a document generated by xerographic means and which mark possesses white glossy characteristics, and wherein said toner is comprised of a polymer and a colorant.

Abstract: A counterfeit-resistant document comprises a contrasting layer and a dynamic camouflaging layer. The contrasting layer is highly contrastive and includes a latent message that can be reproduced over a broad range of copy device control settings. The dynamic camouflaging layer is applied over the contrasting layer to suppress the latent message. The visual density of the dynamic camouflaging layer, which comprises a camouflage pattern that is printed in thermochromic ink, inversely varies with temperature. In this manner, the dynamic camouflaging layer is inactivated at room temperatures so that the latent message is suppressed on the original document, and activated at scanning temperatures so that the latent message is exhibited on a reproduction of the original document.

Abstract: An authenticatable product comprising a non-opaque latent image layer of anisotropic polymer material having background optical properties with a given preferred direction of anisotropy and a given proportion of crystallinity, the latent image layer being treated so as to include: a first localized modification in the latent image layer being associated with a first latent image; and a second localized modification in the latent image layer being associated with a second latent image such that, when viewed directly, the first latent image and the second latent image are indistinguishable from the remainder of the latent image layer and, under polarized visualization, a maximum contrast between the first latent image and the remainder of the latent image layer is actualized at a different orientation of polarized visualization than a maximum contrast between the second latent image and the remainder of the latent image layer.