Abstract: A method for customizing non-destructive testing is provided and includes receiving, by a non-destructive testing (NDT) device, a stock application. The method further includes the device performing a stock NDT function in response to execution of the stock application. The stock NDT function can include a first device manipulation, a first NDT data acquisition by a device sensor, a first analysis employing data acquired by the first NDT data acquisition, or a first NDT output. The method additionally includes the device receiving a custom application after receipt of the stock application. The method also includes the device performing a custom NDT function, different from the stock NDT functions, and including at least one of a second device manipulation, a second NDT data acquisition by a sensor of the device, a second analysis employing data acquired by the second NDT data acquisition, or a second NDT output.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an acquiring unit and an assigning unit. The acquiring unit is configured to acquire first image information on a first image and second image information on a second image read by irradiating, with light at respective different wavelengths for read, a printing medium on which at least the first image and the second image to be irradiated with light at different wave lengths to read are mixed. The assigning unit is configured to assign image information on one or more color systems constituting the first image information and image information on one or more color systems constituting the second image information to any of communication paths for supplying image information to a subsequent stage image processing unit configured to perform predetermined image processing on the first image information and the second image information.

Abstract: A lens including a posterior surface, an anterior surface, and at least one identification marking on the lens. The at least one identification marking exhibits a first degree of visibility in an ambient lighting condition and a second degree of visibility greater than the first degree of visibility in a lighting condition different than the ambient lighting condition.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a light source to emit at least light in a first wavelength range and light in a second wavelength range, a background member having different light reflectances in the first and second wavelength ranges, an imaging device, and circuitry. The imaging device receives reflected light from the background member irradiated with the light in the first wavelength range, and generates first read information. The imaging device further receives reflected light from the background member irradiated with the light in the second wavelength range, and generates second read information. The circuitry detects presence or absence of a first foreign substance based on a difference in reading level of the first read information generated by the imaging device; and detect presence or absence of a second foreign substance based on a difference in reading level of the second read information generated by the imaging device.

Abstract: A position detection device includes a background member, a reader, and processing circuitry. The background member has a higher absorption characteristic in an invisible wavelength region than in a visible wavelength region. The reader opposite the background member irradiates a recording medium having a mark and the background member with light of a visible wavelength to output a visible image or with light of an invisible wavelength to output an invisible image. The processing circuitry is configured to: detect an end position of the recording medium and a position of the mark on the recording medium from a read image output from the reader; and select the visible or invisible image as the read image used for position detection, according to an absorption characteristic of a color material forming the mark read by the reader and an absorption characteristic of the recording medium in the invisible wavelength region.

Abstract: A value document has a security marking in the form of two luminescent substances whose the emission spectra partially overlap in a primary emission range. The emission spectra have a degree of overlap of less than 80% and more than 5%, wherein the luminescent substances have different individual decay times in the primary emission range. The individual decay times of the luminescent substances differ from each other by more than 50% with reference to the shortest individual decay time.

Abstract: The devices, systems, and methods described herein generally relate to chemical profiling of an occupant in a vehicle. The devices, systems and methods described herein can detect enclosure-related chemicals, the enclosure-related chemicals including biochemicals expelled by one or more occupants. The enclosure-related chemicals can then be associated to an associated occupant of the one or more occupants. A biological profile can then be created for the associated occupant, the biological profile comprising medical information and historical information related to the enclosure-related chemicals.

Abstract: An optical film includes a first diffraction layer, a second diffraction layer, and a cover layer. The first diffraction layer includes a plurality of first diffraction gratings arranged in the same direction on a surface thereof. The second diffraction layer includes a plurality of second diffraction gratings arranged in the same direction gap-filled the first diffraction gratings of the first diffraction layer, wherein the directions of the first diffraction gratings and the second diffraction gratings are parallel to each other. The cover layer is formed on the second diffraction gratings of the second diffraction layer. At least one of the first diffraction layer, the second diffraction layer and the cover layer contains dyes, and therefore, the optical film can reduce the light leakage defect of a conventional liquid crystal display in a large viewing angles and make the liquid crystal display have uniform dark-state images and colorful images.

Abstract: A value document has a security marking in the form of at least two luminescing substances which are present in a defined relative quantitative share and are jointly excitable by one excitation pulse. The time courses of the intensities are different and at least one luminescing substance has a non-monoexponential time course. In a method for identifying the security marking, the time course of the total intensity is detected and a linear combination of a formula is adapted including time courses of the intensities of the luminescing substances. The security marking is identified on the basis of the linear coefficients.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a spectral camera, in particular to a spectral camera having multiple filters mounted interchangeably within the optical path of the camera. It is disclosed a spectral camera having a plurality of spectral filters arranged around a cylindrical support, thus providing a filter carrousel, wherein the image sensor is placed within said carrousel.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating an identifier include detecting emissions from a phosphor pattern with a sensor grid comprising one or more sensors when the phosphor pattern is stimulated with radiation. An output signal of each sensor in the sensor grid is compared to a threshold value to generate respective identifier bits. An identifier is generated from the identifier bits.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for authenticating a security marking including at a long afterglow compound capable of emitting long afterglow luminescence light in a given wavelength region, the method allowing to detect a presence and an amount of said long afterglow compound based on comparison of a measured initial intensity value of a spectral component of the emitted light within said wavelength region and associated afterglow time with corresponding reference values representative of a reference amount value of a genuine long afterglow compound. The invention also relates to a reader and system operable to implement the steps of the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to markers for liquids that can be used to authenticate the origin and genuineness of a liquid, preferably a bulk liquid such as fuel. For this purpose, the present invention teaches the use of a polymer capable of forming a semiconducting polymer particle (pdot) in the liquid in small amounts. The invention encompasses a liquid comprising a) a polymer that is capable of forming a semiconducting polymer particle (pdot), the concentration of the polymer being 10 ppm by weight or less, and b) an organic substance in an amount of 90% by weight or more. The invention furthermore envisages the use of such a polymer as an authenticating marker in a liquid, preferably a fuel, and a method for authenticating the genuineness and/or origin of a liquid comprising a polymer capable of forming a semiconducting polymer particle (pdot), comprising the steps i. concentrating, isolating and/or extracting the polymer capable of forming a semiconducting polymer particle (pdot); ii.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes the design and fabrication of a Terahertz (THz) beam steering device and a multifunctional patternless flat lens using electro-optic tunable fishnet materials (TFMM) to create a portable THz imaging system. The THz beam steering device and multifunctional patternless flat lens utilize a tunable resonant frequency of TFMM (with a negative refraction index) to achieve a maximum beam steering angle (field of view) and beam modulation. The portable THz scanning system is made by combining the TFMM beam steering device with a pair of continuous wave (CW) photomixer modules powered by two tunable CW lasers with built-in optical isolators, a fiber-optic beam combination and a multifunctional flat lens.

Abstract: A wrapper for a terahertz wave according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a terahertz wave transmission layer that is made of a material that transmits a terahertz wave; and an electric field enhancement structure that enhances an electric field by reacting with a predetermined frequency band of terahertz waves passing through the terahertz wave transmission layer. An optical identification device for a terahertz wave according to an embodiment of the present invention includes m identification units composed of: a terahertz wave transmission layer that is made of a material that transmits a terahertz wave; and a waveguide grating that resonates at a natural resonant frequency when receiving the transmitted terahertz wave, in which the natural resonant frequency is any one of a first natural resonant frequency to an n-th natural resonant frequency.

Abstract: A secure entry system is provided. The secure entry system includes an authorization apparatus including a reader for reading data, and a record medium, in which the record medium is presented to the reader, and characterized in that the reader and the record medium or a member connected to the record medium include one or more pairs of visible and/or tactile markings which, only when the record medium is correctly presented to the reader, cooperate with one another in a predetermined manner.

Abstract: A printing method and system include a printhead configured to eject a fixer fluid. A controller is operatively connected to the printhead and configured to control the printhead so as to apply the fixer fluid to a print area in a pattern to form cells having a predetermined area without the fixer fluid.

Abstract: The description discloses a method for use in manufacturing integrated circuit chips. The method comprises providing a wafer having a plurality of integrated circuits each provided in an separate active areas, and, for each active area, outside the active area, providing a code pattern that is associated with the integrated circuit. A computer-readable medium is also disclosed. Further, a manufacturing apparatus configured to receive a wafer and to remove material from the wafer so as to provide a scribe line to the wafer formed as a trench for use in separation of the wafer into dies is also disclosed. The description also discloses a wafer, an integrated circuit chip die substrate originating from a wafer of origin and carrying an integrated circuit, and an integrated circuit chip.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a sensor, a light source, and an image-capture controller. The sensor has a sensitivity area that is in a predetermined wavelength band, and acquires an image signal in accordance with light from sheet. The light source has a first light emitting unit that emits first light having a wavelength within the sensitivity area of the sensor, and a second light emitting unit that emits second light that has a wavelength which is outside of the sensitivity area of the sensor and that excites a fluorophore applied on the sheet. The image-capture controller irradiates the sheet with the first light and the second light to acquire a first image signal using the sensor, and irradiates, after acquiring the first image signal, the sheet with only the second light to acquire a second image signal using the sensor.

Abstract: A wrapper for a terahertz wave according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a terahertz wave transmission layer that is made of a material that transmits a terahertz wave; and an electric field enhancement structure that enhances an electric field by reacting with a predetermined frequency band of terahertz waves passing through the terahertz wave transmission layer. An optical identification device for a terahertz wave according to an embodiment of the present invention includes m identification units composed of: a terahertz wave transmission layer that is made of a material that transmits a terahertz wave; and a waveguide grating that resonates at a natural resonant frequency when receiving the transmitted terahertz wave, in which the natural resonant frequency is any one of a first natural resonant frequency to an n-th natural resonant frequency.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymer substrates which are provided with fluorescence features and in which photochemical fluorescence features, i.e. fluorescent structures, are produced by UV irradiation. Thus, fluorophores can be produced in polymer substrates with a low inherent fluorescence by means of suitable UV radiation, which fluorophores display a marked and detectable emission upon being excited with light of a suitable wavelength. If such an irradiation is implemented in a structured manner, emission patterns can be produced in this way in polymer substrates, which emission patterns can be applied for example as recovery grids in fluorescence microscopy. A further application field relates to product authentication which is made possible by the polymer substrates according to the invention provided with fluorescence features.

Abstract: A reader operable to read a mark on a substrate, the reader comprising a power source, operable to deliver a variable drive current or voltage, a light source operable to illuminate said mark with a sequence of illumination light pulses of different wavelength spectra, an intensity of said illumination light pulses varying according to the delivered drive current or voltage, a light sensor operable to measure an intensity of light received from said mark and to deliver a corresponding light intensity signal, and a control unit operable to control said power source and light sensor to control timings of said illumination light pulses according to a switching pattern and timings to acquire said light intensity signal for synchronizing acquisition of said light intensity signal with said sequence of illumination light pulses, said control unit being further operable to adjust a duty cycle of said switching pattern so as to maintain heat generation associated to each illumination light pulse below a given thresho

Abstract: The invention concerns a value document comprising particulate agglomerates respectively containing at least two different homogeneous phases, wherein the first homogeneous phase is based on a first non-luminescent substance detectable by a spectroscopic method and the second homogeneous phase is based on a second non-luminescent substance detectable by a spectroscopic method, and wherein upon an evaluation of measurement values that are obtainable by a location-specific measurement, carried out at different locations of the value document, of the first measurement-signal intensity caused by the first substance and underlying the spectroscopic method and the second measurement-signal intensity caused by the second substance and underlying the spectroscopic method, there is a statistical correlation between the first measurement-signal intensities and the second measurement-signal intensities.

Abstract: The invention concerns a value document comprising particulate agglomerates respectively containing at least two different homogeneous phases, wherein the first homogeneous phase is based on a luminescent substance emitting at a certain emission wavelength and the second homogeneous phase is based on a non-luminescent substance detectable by a spectroscopic method, and wherein upon an evaluation of measurement values that are obtainable by a location-specific measurement, carried out at different locations of the value document, of the luminescence intensity at the certain emission wavelength and the intensity of the measurement signal of the spectroscopic method, there is a statistical correlation between the luminescence intensity at the certain emission wavelength and the intensity of the measurement signal of the certain spectroscopic method.

Abstract: The present application relates to retroreflective sheeting that is capable of use in a license plate and that can be accurately read and/or detected by an ALPR system. The retroreflective sheeting is a prismatic retroreflective sheeting that provides reduced retroreflectivity of infra-red light. The retroreflective sheeting can also be a prismatic retroreflective sheeting that exhibits reduced retroreflectivity of incident infra-red light and substantially unaffected retroreflectivity of incident visible light.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for thermal printing or embossing, comprising a film conveying section for a carrier film coated with a coloring agent, a print support for a printable medium and a printhead for selectively heating the carrier film in accordance with a predetermined printed image, so that the coloring agent is transferred from the carrier film to the printable medium in accordance with the predetermined printed image. The apparatus is characterized in that it further comprises a sensor device set up for recording a remaining pattern of the coloring agent on the carrier film after the heating of the carrier film and set up for generating a sensor signal on the basis of the recorded pattern. The invention additionally relates to a corresponding process for printed image inspection in thermal printing or embossing and to a computer program with program code for carrying out the process when the computer program is performed in a computer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for article authentication include an exciting radiation generator that exposes an area of the article to exciting radiation, and at least two radiation detectors that detect emitted radiation from the area in a first band and in a second band that does not overlap the first band. The first band corresponds with a first emission sub-band of an emitting ion, and the second band corresponds with a second emission sub-band of the same emitting ion. A processing system calculates a comparison value that represents a mathematical relationship (e.g., a ratio) between a first intensity of the emitted radiation in the first band with a second intensity of the emitted radiation in the second band, and determines whether the comparison value compares favorably with an authentication parameter. When the comparison value compares favorably with the authentication parameter, the article is identified as being authentic.

Abstract: Presented is a system and method for verifying the authenticity of a part using non-destructive backscattered X-rays. The method uses an identification tag embedded in the part that when illuminated by X-rays returns backscattered radiation that is detected and used to authenticate the part. The system comprises a source of low energy X-rays that irradiate a part, a detector for detecting backscattered radiation returned from the part, and a means for determining the presence of an authentication tag in the part. In embodiments, the system and method use a tag made of a material that returns a high amount of backscattered radiation thereby providing a high level of contrast in comparison with the part. In embodiments, the placement of the tag in the part, the geometry of the tag, and coding in the tag are used to authenticate the part.

Abstract: Retroreflective articles comprise a substrate and a bar code provided on the substrate. The bar code comprises at least one human-readable information which provides framing information and a machine-readable information which provides variable information. The human-readable information is visible under a first condition and invisible under a second condition, and the machine-readable information is invisible under the first condition and visible under the second condition.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for identifying regions of interest in an image and identifying a barcode in a degraded image are provided. A region of interest is identified by pre-processing an image, generating a binary image based on a metric calculated on the pre-processed image, and analyzing regions of the image identified using connected components and other analysis. A barcode is identified by searching a population of barcodes, degrading ideal image intensity profiles of candidate barcodes, and comparing the degraded ideal image intensity profiles to an image intensity profile of the degraded image.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods employing embedded barcodes to convey supplemental information about an image, for example a motion picture. In some systems the barcodes may be subliminal because they are spliced, physically or digitally, into a movie frame shown too briefly to be consciously detectable to the human eye, but still detectable by camera sensors. Other described systems may display the barcodes in infrared or ultraviolet light, which is outside of the visible spectrum of light perceived by the human eye, but still detectable by camera sensors.

Abstract: A signal generator for highlighting objects in road traffic, including a marker and a carrier material. The marker is arranged on the carrier material in such a manner that the marker covers one surface side of the carrier material and/or is added to a substance of the carrier material. The signal transmitter reflects incident electromagnetic radiation of at least one predeterminable wavelength band by the marker. A spectral width and a spectral position of the at least one predeterminable wavelength band are distinguished by a size and/or a size distribution and/or a shape of nanoparticles contained in the marker and/or by a surface nanostructuring of the marker. The spectral position of the at least one predeterminable wavelength band is located in an infrared spectral range. The invention further relates to a corresponding system, a corresponding method, the use of the signal generator, and the use of the system.

Abstract: A device and method for reading a machine-readable code printed on an object, the device includes a reading device intended for reading a machine-readable code printed on an object; a detection device intended for detecting whether the printed code read with the reading device has been altered; an alteration device for altering the printed code, which are configured and arranged for acting while using the reading device to perform a first reading of the printed code; and a control device including a processing system with a memory intended for storing information about read printed codes. The method includes altering the printed code during a first reading thereof or during operations associated therewith and storing information about read printed codes. The system includes the device and a remote control center for validating the printed codes read by the device.

Abstract: In a method for introducing an authentication print characteristic in a visible image printed on paper, a part of the image is printed with an ink having first and second component dyes. The first component is less fast than the second component in response to an applied activator. The first component is normally masked by the second component but applying an activator stimulates a bleed of the first component beyond the area of the image part to create a predetermined unmasked area of the fluorescent component. The invention extends to paper on which the authentication print characteristic has been printed and to a method of detecting a forged image by analyzing paper to detect such an image bleed.

Abstract: A recording medium includes a surface in which an infrared absorptance is less than a threshold value; and plural dot images that records information by an arrangement pattern formed on the surface, in which the infrared absorptance is equal to or more than the threshold value, and a specular gloss to infrared rays is equal to or less than 22%.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a light emitting diode operative to emit mostly invisible light within an invisible bandwidth, and a scattering surface configured to scatter a first portion of the invisible light from the light emitting diode out of the window. The scattering surface is also partially transparent to allow a second portion of the invisible light from the light emitting diode to pass through the scattering surface and strike the reflector that is configured to reflect at least some of the second portion of the invisible light towards the window. The apparatus further includes a photodetector configured to detect returned invisible light from the target object.

Abstract: A method of fusing two images includes adjusting contrast of (a) a visual image and (b) a thermal image. Also included is modifying the adjusted contrast of the thermal image to form output brightness levels, by using a transformation curve, and then displaying both (a) the brightness levels of the thermal image and (b) the adjusted contrast of the visual image. Modifying the adjusted contrast of the thermal image includes using a V-curve as the transformation curve, in which the V-curve includes similar maximum output brightness levels at the coldest and hottest relative temperatures, respectively. The V-curve also includes a minimum output brightness level at a midpoint between the coldest and hottest relative temperatures. Furthermore, the method assigns different hues to the intensity values of the thermal image, ranging from coldest to hottest relative temperatures.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a light emitting diode operative to emit mostly invisible light within an invisible bandwidth, and a scattering surface configured to scatter a first portion of the invisible light from the light emitting diode out of the window. The scattering surface is also partially transparent to allow a second portion of the invisible light from the light emitting diode to pass through the scattering surface and strike the reflector that is configured to reflect at least some of the second portion of the invisible light towards the window. The apparatus further includes a photodetector configured to detect returned invisible light from the target object.

Abstract: A method for detecting and viewing invisible indicia includes illuminating the invisible indicia with radiation of a first wavelength with an illumination source; detecting emitted light from the invisible indicia at a second wavelength with a sensor array; eliminating reflected radiation at the first wavelength; focusing an image of the invisible indicia on the sensor array; displaying the image of the invisible indicia; spacing the sensor array at a fixed distance from the invisible indicia with a spacer; and adjusting sensitivity of the sensor array.

Abstract: At least two luminescent materials are intermingled within a security feature. The materials are selected from among a larger set of luminescent materials each having a different individual exponential decay characteristic (decay constant and initial amplitude response to the degree of excitation) for photo-luminescent emission from the respective material following excitation. The ratio of the decay constants for any two materials is greater than or equal to about 1.5. The selected materials are mixed in one of a plurality of predetermined ratios. The combined emissions from the intermingled materials appear, to an unsophisticated measuring device, to have a single exponential decay constant. Based on measurements for the decay of the combined emissions following excitation, estimates of the individual decay constants and associated initial emission amplitudes allow decoding of the particular combination of materials and/or their ratios to validate the security feature, authenticating the article.

Abstract: An image reading device and an image reading system for recognizing a first image in a selected area on an object are provided. The selected area includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is coated with an invisible ink, which is capable of absorbing the first light with a wavelength of invisible light, while the second portion is capable of reflecting the second light with the wavelength of invisible light. The image reading device comprises a main body and an optical element disposed on the main body. The optical element receives the second light corresponding to the second portion to recognize the first image corresponding to the first portion. The image reading system further comprises a processing device which is configured to resolve the first image into corresponding information content.

Abstract: A method for detecting and viewing invisible indicia includes illuminating the invisible indicia with radiation of a first wavelength with an illumination source; detecting emitted light from the invisible indicia at a second wavelength with a sensor array; eliminating reflected radiation at the first wavelength; focusing an image of the invisible indicia on the sensor array; displaying the image of the invisible indicia; spacing the sensor array at a fixed distance from the invisible indicia with a spacer; and adjusting sensitivity of the sensor array.

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: An apparatus for capturing images of a target object having a barcode. The apparatus includes a reflector, an LED emitting mostly invisible light, and a photodetector. The LED is configured to emit a first portion of the invisible light toward the target object directly and to emit a second portion of the invisible light toward the reflector. The reflector is configured to redirect at least some of the second portion of the invisible light toward the target object. The photodetector is configured to detect returned invisible light from the target object to generate an electrical signal.

Abstract: A photoluminescent marking that includes a photoluminescent layer and at least one functional overlayer is disclosed. The photoluminescent layer comprises at least one type of photoluminescent material. The at least one functional overlayer is adapted to selectively filter wavelengths of radiation to enhance the daylight observability of a final emission signature of the marking or to prevent the observability with the naked eye of a printed message on the marking. Also methods of making and using the inventive photoluminescent marking are disclosed.

Abstract: We provide an apparatus and method for analysing a security document using x-rays. A security thread is provided in a security thread region of the document. An x-ray source illuminates the security document and an x-ray detector receives x-rays from the security thread region of the document and generates a corresponding detector response. A processor analyses the detector response and generates an output signal indicative of the structure of a security thread present within the region.

Abstract: A recording medium includes a surface in which an infrared absorptance is less than a threshold value; and plural dot images that records information by an arrangement pattern formed on the surface, in which the infrared absorptance is equal to or more than the threshold value, and a specular gloss to infrared rays is equal to or less than 22%.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for automatically checking sheet-shaped documents of value. According to the present invention a simply constructed measuring apparatus can be obtained, by the measuring apparatus evaluating measuring values e.g. at least two measuring frequencies and the position of one or a plurality of discrete measuring tracks being determined in such a way that at least the presence of two different not visible spectral properties of a predetermined type of authentic documents of value can be checked.

Abstract: In embodiments, a pen digitizer includes a light source that generates light. The pen digitizer also includes light guides, such as fiber optics, configured coaxial within the pen digitizer to transfer the light from the light source and focus the light around an imaging tip of the pen digitizer. A photo array optically-images reflected light from encoded bits in an encoded micro pattern, and a lens focuses the reflected light onto the photo array.

Abstract: Presented is a system and method for verifying the authenticity of a part using non-destructive backscattered X-rays. The method uses an identification tag embedded in the part that when illuminated by X-rays returns backscattered radiation that is detected and used to authenticate the part. The system comprises a source of low energy X-rays that irradiate a part, a detector for detecting backscattered radiation returned from the part, and a means for determining the presence of an authentication tag in the part. In embodiments, the system and method use a tag made of a material that returns a high amount of backscattered radiation thereby providing a high level of contrast in comparison with the part. In embodiments, the placement of the tag in the part, the geometry of the tag, and coding in the tag are used to authenticate the part.