A counter-pressure ring for use with a counter-pressure unit of a foil laminating unit of a sheet-fed stamping press, the counter-pressure unit being rotatable around a drive shaft central axis, wherein the ring comprises a flange and is attachable by means of fasteners to a collar, and wherein the attachment between the ring and the collar allows for slight movement of the ring in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the drive shaft.
Disclosed herein is a monolithic laminated multi-layer thermoplastic polymer security document and method of making same with an improved, difficult-to-counterfeit security device. The security device comprises at least one selective metallized feature located on an embedded or enclosed surface within the monolithic document, by virtue of the fact that the polymer layers are laminated together. The embedded or enclosed surface comprises a selectively metallized feature. In some embodiments, the security device may comprise the selectively metallized feature in combination with one or more laser engraved data.
Label application system and method for applying labels to packages of various sizes and shapes, adaptable for use in a wide range of facilities. The system comprises a gripper for retrieving the label, wherein the gripper releasably and minimally contacts the adhesive side of the label. The system further comprises one or more applicators for firmly applying the label to the package. Movement of the gripper and/or applicators is controlled by a servo-actuated delta-type robot.
A security device for security documents provides an angle-dependent Moiré effect. A security device for a security document and method for making the security device are provided. At least two interlaced laser engraved images form an angle dependent parallax effect. First and second images are laser engraved at a substrate of the security document. To render the security device more difficult to copy, a colour changing effect or a nonreciprocal transmission effect may be achieved by adding a coloured (absorptive or emissive) layer between or within non-laser engravable layers situated between the laser engravable layers, and/or by adding a patterned phase diffraction grating situated between the laser engravable layers.
Label application system and method for applying labels to packages of various sizes and shapes, adaptable for use in a wide range of facilities. The system comprises a gripper for retrieving the label, wherein the gripper releasably and minimally contacts the adhesive side of the label. The system further comprises one or more applicators for firmly applying the label to the package. Movement of the gripper and/or applicators is controlled by a servo-actuated delta-type robot.
A security device for security documents providing an angle-dependent Moiré effect. A security device for a security document and method for making the security device are provided. At least two interlaced laser engraved images forming an angle dependent parallax effect. First and second images are laser engraved at a substrate of the security document and the substrate comprises a non-laser-engravable layer between laser engravable layers.
Printed products such as security documents may require security features which are difficult to copy in order to prevent copying or counterfeiting of such documents. The present invention provides a printed product and method of printing/metallization to produce such a security feature. The security feature may comprise visible print/image in registration with metallization on a transparent or semi-transparent substrate.
A method is provided by the invention for making a security document comprising a thermoplastic substrate with a UV light cured printed image that is less likely to result in splitting of the ink of the UV light cured printed image during the lamination step of forming the thermoplastic substrate. The UV light cured image is applied to an interior thermoplastic layer surface of a stack of thermoplastic layers configured to form a thermoplastic substrate upon lamination of the stack and comprises numerous small sub-portions having small gaps between them sufficient to permit relative movement of individual sub-portions during lamination, the thermoplastic layer(s) from the ultraviolet light cured image to an exterior surface of the stack being sufficiently see-through that the image is visible upon viewing the security document. Alternatively, or additionally, the image is applied to an interior surface of an outermost thermoplastic layer of the stack adjacent an intermediate thermoplastic layer of the stack wherein the outermost thermoplastic layer has a higher melting point than the melting point of at least the adjacent intermediate thermoplastic layer.
C09D 11/101 - Inks specially adapted for printing processes involving curing by wave energy or particle radiation, e.g. with UV-curing following the printing
B42D 25/351 - Translucent or partly translucent parts, e.g. windows
9.
INTAGLIO PRINTING PLATE WITH PRESSURE RELIEF FEATURE FOR SECURITY DOCUMENTS AND METHOD FOR MAKING THE SAME
An intaglio printing plate is configured to protect a micro optics, RFID or chip feature of a security document during the process of intaglio printing the security document which applies very high pressure that could otherwise damage the micro optics, RFID or chip feature. A method for making the printing plate is also provided. The printing plate comprises a pressure relief depression located to coincide with the micro optics, RFID or chip feature during printing of a substrate of the security document. The pressure relief depression has a depth between 30-120 microns and shape corresponding to the shape of the micro optics, RFID or chip feature.
A security document (e.g. passport) comprising a protective feature for authenticating a laminate data sheet thereof and method for making the same. A metalized flexible hinge attached to the laminate data sheet is used to bind the laminate data sheet into the passport with one or more other sheets at a binding of the passport such that at least a portion of the metalized surface of the flexible hinge is visible proximate to the laminate data sheet. Personalization data is etched on the visible portion of the metalized surface of the flexible hinge and matches personalization data of the laminate data sheet.
B41J 2/435 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of radiation to a printing material or impression-transfer material
D21H 21/40 - Agents facilitating proof of genuineness or preventing fraudulent alteration, e.g. for security paper
A security device for security documents providing an angle-dependent Moiré effect. A security device for a security document and method for making the security device are provided. At least two interlaced laser engraved images forming an angle dependent parallax effect. First and second images are laser engraved at a substrate of the security document and the substrate comprises a non-laser- engravable layer between laser engravable layers.
A method is provided by the invention for making a security document comprising a thermoplastic substrate with a UV light cured printed image that is less likely to result in splitting of the ink of the UV light cured printed image during the lamination step of forming the thermoplastic substrate. The UV light cured image is applied to an interior thermoplastic layer surface of a stack of thermoplastic layers configured to form a thermoplastic substrate upon lamination of the stack and comprises numerous small sub-portions having small gaps between them sufficient to permit relative movement of individual sub-portions during lamination, the thermoplastic layer(s) from the ultraviolet light cured image to an exterior surface of the stack being sufficiently see-through that the image is visible upon viewing the security document. Alternatively, or additionally, the image is applied to an interior surface of an outermost thermoplastic layer of the stack adjacent an intermediate thermoplastic layer of the stack wherein the outermost thermoplastic layer has a higher melting point than the melting point of at least the adjacent intermediate thermoplastic layer.
Micro-structures are formed within multilayer laminate security documents by embossing and/or debossing one or more thermoplastic layers prior to lamination of the layers. The embossed and/or debossed structures are arranged and/or formed in a way that creates a number of different security features, including a watermark formed by a relief micro-structure pattern on an opaque film (layer), a multi-color optically variable device, a 3-dimensional feature over kinegram/metallic ink and/or embossment/debossment over printed surfaces.
B42D 25/21 - Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security featuresManufacture thereof characterised by a particular use or purpose for multiple purposes
B42D 25/425 - Marking by deformation, e.g. embossing
B42D 25/46 - Associating two or more layers using pressure
B32B 27/08 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin of a different kind
B32B 37/18 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers with all layers existing as coherent layers before laminating involving the assembly of discrete sheets or panels only
22 laser cutting and engraving in combination with a vision system for precision registration of cut windows of each layer and layer to layer registration and further provides application and registration of security features between layers within the security document body including an embedded gray scale watermark.
Micro-structures are formed within multilayer laminate security documents by embossing and/or debossing one or more thermoplastic layers prior to lamination of the layers. The embossed and/or debossed structures are arranged and/or formed in a way that creates a number of different security features, including a watermark formed by a relief micro-structure pattern on an opaque film (layer), a multi-color optically variable device, a 3-dimensional feature over kinegram/metallic ink and/or embossment/debossment over printed surfaces.
B42D 25/30 - Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery
B42D 25/21 - Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security featuresManufacture thereof characterised by a particular use or purpose for multiple purposes
The present invention provides an improved security document having a “see-through” security feature that protects a window of the security document in which personalization information may be displayed, such as an image of the authorized document holder. The “see-through” security feature is provided by front and back side images, such as text (e.g. micro-text or encoded indicia), graphics or other image type, that may be laser marked onto the document substrate from a front side thereof through the window to a back side of the window. At least a part of the front image and at least a part of the back image are in front-to-back registration in window, the registration of the images being subject to verification by suitable inspection of the window. The front and back images may be partial images of a composite image when joined together at a juncture with the front-to-back registration of the partial images located at the juncture so that the images together have an appearance of the composite image in the window. Alternatively, at least a part of the first and second images may be identical with the front-to-back registration of the images located at least one of the identical parts so that the first and second images have an appearance in the window of a single image at those identical parts of the front-to-back registration.
A security document (e.g. passport) comprising a protective feature for authenticating a laminate data sheet thereof and method for making the same. A metalized flexible hinge attached to the laminate data sheet is used to bind the laminate data sheet into the passport with one or more other sheets at a binding of the passport such that at least a portion of the metalized surface of the flexible hinge is visible proximate to the laminate data sheet. Personalization data is etched on the visible portion of the metalized surface of the flexible hinge and matches personalization data of the laminate data sheet.
B41J 2/435 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of radiation to a printing material or impression-transfer material
A method is provided for laminating a thermoplastic layer to at least a print area of a printed thermoplastic substrate (e.g. a polycarbonate substrate and laminate layer). A printed thermoplastic substrate comprises a print area on which an image (e.g. a portrait) is printed (e.g. by inkjet printing), the print area comprising a pattern of recessed cells separated by bridges. Each cell comprises recessed image receiving surfaces below a nominal surface of the print area for holding the ink of the printed image. The bridges have surface areas above the ink and the surface areas of the bridges comprising enough of the print area to provide lamination bonding areas. Using heat and pressure, a thermoplastic layer is laminated to at least the print area of the thermoplastic substrate to form lamination bonding between the thermoplastic layer and the lamination bonding areas provided by the surface areas of the bridges.
B32B 37/00 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding
B32B 27/28 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin comprising copolymers of synthetic resins not wholly covered by any one of the following subgroups
B32B 3/30 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a particular shape of the outline of the cross-section of a continuous layerLayered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a layer with cavities or internal voids characterised by a layer formed with recesses or projections, e.g. grooved, ribbed
A method is provided for laminating a thermoplastic layer to at least a print area of a printed thermoplastic substrate (e.g. a polycarbonate substrate and laminate layer). A printed thermoplastic substrate comprises a print area on which an image (e.g. a portrait) is printed (e.g. by inkjet printing), the print area comprising a pattern of recessed cells separated by bridges. Each cell comprises recessed image receiving surfaces below a nominal surface of the print area for holding the ink of the printed image. The bridges have surface areas above the ink and the surface areas of the bridges comprising enough of the print area to provide lamination bonding areas. Using heat and pressure, a thermoplastic layer is laminated to at least the print area of the thermoplastic substrate to form lamination bonding between the thermoplastic layer and the lamination bonding areas provided by the surface areas of the bridges.
B32B 37/00 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding
B42D 25/455 - Associating two or more layers using heat
B42D 25/46 - Associating two or more layers using pressure
B29C 59/02 - Surface shaping, e.g. embossingApparatus therefor by mechanical means, e.g. pressing
B29C 65/08 - Joining of preformed partsApparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using ultrasonic vibrations
B32B 38/00 - Ancillary operations in connection with laminating processes
B32B 37/18 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers with all layers existing as coherent layers before laminating involving the assembly of discrete sheets or panels only
The present invention provides an improved security document having a "see-through" security feature that protects a window of the security document in which personalization information may be displayed, such as an image of the authorized document holder. The "see-through" security feature is provided by front and back side images, such as text (e.g. micro-text or encoded indicia), graphics or other image type, that may be laser marked onto the document substrate from a front side thereof through the window to a back side of the window. At least a part of the front image and at least a part of the back image are in front-to-back registration in window, the registration of the images being subject to verification by suitable inspection of the window. The front and back images may be partial images of a composite image when joined together at a juncture with the front-to- back registration of the partial images located at the juncture so that the images together have an appearance of the composite image in the window. Alternatively, at least a part of the first and second images may be identical with the front-to-back registration of the images located at least one of the identical parts so that the first and second images have an appearance in the window of a single image at those identical parts of the front-to-back registration.
The invention provides an optically variable printed feature for security documents providing a kinetic appearance of a moving image, optionally with colour shifting, as one views the feature from different angles. A plurality of substantially parallel lines (and/or line segments) are printed on a front surface of a transparent substrate and a corresponding plurality of substantially parallel lines (and/or line segments) are printed on the back surface, located in at least near perfect registration to form sets of lines, each set comprising a predetermined pattern of at least one front surface printed line and at least one back surface printed line. The image of the optically variable feature is defined by a plurality of image pixels each of which comprises a predetermined area of the substrate extending from the front surface to the back surface of the substrate and comprising one set of the predetermined pattern of lines.
Improved ultraviolet light-curable compositions are provided for printing onto a security document substrate in a predetermined pattern to make tactile features for use by people with impaired vision to, for example, recognize the denominations of banknotes. The improved compositions substantially comprise an acidic trifunctional acrylate ester, preferably in an amount of 60-80 wt%, and include urethane acrylate and effective amounts of flexibilizer (e.g. low viscosity aromatic monoacrylate having an elongation parameter of about 200), photoinitiator and a rheological additive (e.g. silica). The composition unexpectedly provides flexibility and is particular useful for printing tactile features in the form of relatively large continuous graphical patterns.
B41F 17/00 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for
B41J 3/32 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for printing in Braille or with keyboards specially adapted for use by blind or disabled persons
An embossing head for use in a rotary printing press has a raised embossing stamp, a constraining means for constraining motion of the embossing stamp along a radial direction, and adjustable positioning means for stopping radially downward motion of the embossing stamp at an adjustable lowermost position for determining an adjustable radial height of the raised embossing stamp. A number of embossing heads may be mounted independently to annular collars of the press to enable free positioning of the corresponding embossments in both dimensions of the sheet material. The adjustable positioning means enables fine height selection and adjustment of each embossing stamp individually so as to enable and facilitate the production of embossments on sheet material within specified tolerances reliably over numerous print cycles.
B41K 3/26 - Apparatus for stamping articles having integral means for supporting the articles to be stamped with stamping surface located below article- supporting surface
B41F 19/02 - Apparatus or machines for carrying out printing operations combined with other operations with embossing
B42D 15/00 - Printed matter of special format or style not otherwise provided for
B44B 5/00 - Machines or apparatus for embossing decorations or marks, e.g. embossing coins
A method of encoding a hidden image in high frequency spatial frequencies of a line pattern of a host image. A set of host image spatial frequencies is generated based on a predefined mapping of a domain of a set of representative scalar values of the hidden image and a domain of the host image spatial frequencies. The line pattern of the host image is generated based on the set of host image spatial frequencies. The host image may be composed of tiles containing parallel line segments, with each tile encoding a corresponding one of the scalar values. The host image may be composed of a stochastic line pattern generated from a white noise image convolved with a space variable kernel based on the predefined domain mapping. The hidden image may be decoded algorithmically or optically in a single step.
G09C 5/00 - Ciphering or deciphering apparatus or methods not provided for in other groups of this subclass, e.g. involving the concealment or deformation of graphic data such as designs, written or printed messages
25.
IMPROVED METHOD FOR PRINTING AN IMAGE ONTO A THERMOPLASTIC SUBSTRATE, PRE-FORMING PLATE USED THEREFOR AND SECURITY INSTRUMENT MADE THEREFROM
A method is provided by the invention for printing surface applied images to a thermoplastic substrate to provide improved durability to the printed image. A preforming plate (e.g. lamination plate) for making a thermoplastic substrate used by the method and a security instrument made by the method are also provided by the invention. A thermoplastic substrate comprises in a predetermined area a pattern, preferably a cell pattern, of recessed image receiving surfaces below a nominal surface of the thermoplastic substrate and a pattern of bridges separating the recessed image receiving surfaces, the depths of the recessed image receiving surfaces and the areas of the bridges separating the recessed image receiving surfaces, relative to the areas of the recessed image receiving surfaces, chosen to provide durability to the image after the image has been printed onto the predetermined area. The image may be printed by ink jet printing. To additionally provide security features to the security instrument, latent and hidden images may be formed by latent image recesses and hidden image recesses, respectively, below the nominal surface.
B41F 19/02 - Apparatus or machines for carrying out printing operations combined with other operations with embossing
B29C 59/02 - Surface shaping, e.g. embossingApparatus therefor by mechanical means, e.g. pressing
B41F 17/00 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for
B41J 3/00 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed
B41J 3/407 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
B41M 1/24 - Inking and printing with a printer's forme combined with embossing
B41M 1/30 - Printing on other surfaces than ordinary paper on organic plastics, horn, or like materials
B41M 3/00 - Printing processes to produce particular kinds of printed work, e.g. patterns
A method is provided by the invention for printing surface applied images to a thermoplastic substrate to provide improved durability to the printed image. A thermoplastic substrate comprises in a predetermined area a pattern, preferably a cell pattern, of recessed image receiving surfaces below a nominal surface of the thermoplastic substrate and a pattern of bridges separating the recessed image receiving surfaces, the depths of the recessed image receiving surfaces and the areas of the bridges separating the recessed image receiving surfaces, relative to the areas of the recessed image receiving surfaces, chosen to provide durability to the image after the image has been printed onto the predetermined area. The image may be printed by ink jet printing. To additionally provide security features to the security instrument, latent and hidden images may be formed by latent image recesses and hidden image recesses, respectively, below the nominal surface.
B32B 3/00 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form
B41M 5/00 - Duplicating or marking methodsSheet materials for use therein
B41J 2/015 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process
B42D 15/00 - Printed matter of special format or style not otherwise provided for
An embossing head for use in a rotary printing press has a raised embossing stamp, a constraining means for constraining motion of the embossing stamp along a radial direction, and adjustable positioning means for stopping radially downward motion of the embossing stamp at an adjustable lowermost position for determining an adjustable radial height of the raised embossing stamp. A number of embossing heads may be mounted independently to annular collars of the press to enable free positioning of the corresponding embossments in both dimensions of the sheet material. The adjustable positioning means enables fine height selection and adjustment of each embossing stamp individually so as to enable and facilitate the production of embossments on sheet material within specified tolerances reliably over numerous print cycles.
A hard laminate sheet with flexible hinge for binding into a security document is provided. Hard synthetic material layers are overlaid, sandwiching a flexible material layer having a hinge portion configured for separation from the hard synthetic material layers, and an affixing portion configured to become affixed to the hard synthetic material layers, upon lamination of the overlaid layers. The overlaid layers are laminated to form a laminate sheet having an embedded hinge affixed to the hard synthetic material layers. Score cuttings are made along a score line coinciding with an inner hinge edge on a hinge side which is then flexed until the hard synthetic material layers break along the inner hinge edge. Residual laminate layers are separated from the hinge side to expose the hinge portion of the flexible material.
B32B 3/06 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by features of form at particular places, e.g. in edge regions for securing layers togetherLayered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by features of form at particular places, e.g. in edge regions for attaching the product to another member, e.g. to a support
B32B 27/08 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin of a different kind
B32B 38/10 - Removing layers, or parts of layers, mechanically or chemically
B42D 15/10 - Identity, credit, cheque or like information-bearing cards (record carriers, e.g. credit or identity cards, for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings G06K 19/00)
29.
ENCODING HIDDEN INFORMATION IN SPATIAL LINE FREQUENCIES
A method of encoding a hidden image in high frequency spatial frequencies of a line pattern of a host image. A set of host image spatial frequencies is generated based on a predefined mapping of a domain of a set of representative scalar values of the hidden image and a domain of the host image spatial frequencies. The line pattern of the host image is generated based on the set of host image spatial frequencies. The host image may be composed of tiles containing parallel line segments, with each tile encoding a corresponding one of the scalar values. The host image may be composed of a stochastic line pattern generated from a white noise image convolved with a space variable kernel based on the predefined domain mapping. The hidden image may be decoded algorithmically or optically in a single step.
G09C 5/00 - Ciphering or deciphering apparatus or methods not provided for in other groups of this subclass, e.g. involving the concealment or deformation of graphic data such as designs, written or printed messages
B42D 15/10 - Identity, credit, cheque or like information-bearing cards (record carriers, e.g. credit or identity cards, for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings G06K 19/00)
Durable, easily recognizable and easy-to-feel tactile marks are provided which may be incorporated into security documents, such as banknotes, to assist visually impaired people in validating such security documents. Deposits are printed onto the substrate, using an ink, resin or ink-like printing material, in a predetermined pattern to form tactile marks adhering to the substrate. A sufficiently high pressure is applied to the substrate with the printed tactile marks to calender the tactile marks, thereby forming corresponding protrusions in the substrate on the opposite sides of the printed tactile marks. An energy curable printing material may be used to print the deposits and the calendering of the tactile marks may be performed by intaglio printing.
Curable ink deposits are printed onto a substrate in a predetermined pattern (e.g. screen printed). The curable ink comprises one or more monofunctional and/or multifunctional curable acrylates, wherein the individual monofunctional and/or multifunctional curable acrylates contributing up to 80% by weight of the ink have viscosities below 10,000 cP at 25°C, a low viscosity acrylate contributing to at least 10% by weight of the curable ink and a rheological additive. The curable ink deposits are then heated (optional) and cured (e.g. by exposing them to ultraviolet light, for UV-curable ink deposits). Preferably, intaglio calendering/printing is then applied to the substrate sheet, whereby a high pressure is applied to press the cured ink deposits into the substrate, creating protrusions of the substrate on the opposite side of the ink deposits. The ink may comprise a taggant for use as a security feature.
Ultraviolet light-curable deposits are printed onto a substrate in a predetermined pattern to make tactile marks (e.g.Braille-like resin dots) for use by people with impaired vision to, for example, recognize the denominations of banknotes. The deposit demonstrates high adhesion due to: (1) presence of 20 - 80% (wt.) of a low viscosity acrylate component to provide a substrate-penetrating property; and, (2) 2-30% (wt.) of an adhesion-promoting acid acrylate. The deposit material further includes 1-30% (wt.) of urethane acrylate, 1-30% by weight of reactive diluent, photoinitiator and 1-10% (wt.) of rheological adsorbing additive. Optimally, the adhesion promoter is added after the other components have been mixed with the rheological additive. The printing step may be followed by heating before the curing step to increase penetration of the ink into the substrate. The deposit may comprise a taggant for use as a security feature.
C09D 11/10 - Printing inks based on artificial resins
B41J 3/32 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for printing in Braille or with keyboards specially adapted for use by blind or disabled persons
33.
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COMPARING DOCUMENT FEATURES USING PATTERN RECOGNITION
Systems and methods for assistsing in the determination of the authenticity of security documents based on known characteristics of similar reference security documents. The system and methods use digital processing to capture a digital image of the document being examined and they use a feature localization or detection technique to search for a specific feature in the document based on a stored image of a similar feature from a reference document. Once the feature on the subject document has been found, the digital image of the localized feature is transformed, by applying mathematical transforms or other image/mathematical operators, such that the result will have distinguishing characteristics that can be derived or analyzed. When the distinguishing characteristics have been analyzed, these are then compared to the stored distinguishing characteristics of similar features from reference documents. Based on the comparison, a score is then generated that is indicative of how similar or how different the distinguishing characteristics of the feature being examined are from the features from reference documents. The system may also be used such that multiple features from a single document are assessed and scored separately from one another with a final aggregate or weighted score being provided to the user for the whole document.
G06K 9/64 - Methods or arrangements for recognition using electronic means using simultaneous comparisons or correlations of the image signals with a plurality of references, e.g. resistor matrix
G06K 9/46 - Extraction of features or characteristics of the image
G06K 9/80 - Combination of image preprocessing and recognition functions
34.
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COMPARING DOCUMENT FEATURES USING TEXTURE ANALYSIS
Systems and methods for assisting in the determination of the authenticity of security documents based on known characteristics of similar but authentic security documents. The system and methods use digital processing to capture a digital image of the document being examined and they use a feature localization or detection technique to search for a specific feature in the document based on a stored image of a similar feature from an authentic document. Once the feature on the subject document has been found, the digital image of the localized feature is transformed, by applying mathematical transforms or other image/mathematical operators, such that the result will have distinguishing characteristics that can be derived or analyzed. When the distinguishing characteristics have been analyzed, these are then compared to the stored distinguishing characteristics of similar features from known authentic documents. Based on the comparison, a score is then generated that is indicative of how similar or how different the distinguishing characteristics of the feature being examined are from the features from known authentic documents. The system may also be used such that multiple features from a single document are assessed and scored separately from one another with a final aggregate or weighted score being provided to the user for the whole document.
G06K 9/62 - Methods or arrangements for recognition using electronic means
G06K 9/46 - Extraction of features or characteristics of the image
G06K 9/64 - Methods or arrangements for recognition using electronic means using simultaneous comparisons or correlations of the image signals with a plurality of references, e.g. resistor matrix
G06K 9/80 - Combination of image preprocessing and recognition functions
35.
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DOCUMENT COMPARISON USING CROSS PLANE COMPARISON
The invention relates to the field of document authentication and more specifically to an apparatus and method for validating an enhanced feature contained in a document under analysis. More specifically, a cross plane comparison is used within a document comparison system to validate the authenticity of a security document. Two images are extracted from two colour planes (e.g. visible light and infrared) of a specified page of a security document and the presence/absence of a pattern or text in each plane is determined. In operation, the security document is exposed to two light sources and grey scale images are extracted. Binary images are then obtained from the grey scale images by filtering each grey scale image and then thresholding each grey scale image. The difference between the two binary images is then calculated to determine if a pattern or text is present in both planes or only in one plane. A confidence score is determined from the difference and is presented to an operator of the document comparison system.
G06K 9/64 - Methods or arrangements for recognition using electronic means using simultaneous comparisons or correlations of the image signals with a plurality of references, e.g. resistor matrix
G06K 9/80 - Combination of image preprocessing and recognition functions
A perpetual lottery system and method for use by a plurality of players is provided wherein each play participates in the game indefinitely. The perpetual lottery provides a lotto-type lottery wherein a play registered on the payment of a single price is eligible for an indefinite number of subsequent draws or for as long as the game lasts. Furthermore, a lottery system and method is provided having a plurality of plays in a draw period followed by a draw in which each play's chance of winning is dependent upon a wager corresponding to the play.
The invention relates to the field of printed security documents and, more particularly, to security documents and methods of making security documents bearing enhanced security features. The security documents may include identification documents or any other known documents of value. The security document includes a transparent window area with an ultraviolet blocking agent incorporated therein. Invisible ultraviolet fluorescent ink patterns are printed on respective opposite sides of the ultraviolet blocking agent within the region of the transparent window area. When either the face side or back side of the security document is illuminated with ultraviolet light, only the pattern printed proximate that side within the area of the transparent window becomes visible. When both face and back sides are simultaneously illuminated with ultraviolet light, the patterns printed on both sides of the ultraviolet blocking agent within the area of the transparent window become visible at the same time.
The present invention provides an improved security document having a "see-through" security feature that protects a window of the security document in which personalization information may be displayed, such as an image of the authorized document holder. The "see-through" security feature is provided by front and back side images, such as text (e.g. micro-text or encoded indicia), graphics or other image type, that may be laser marked onto the document substrate from a front side thereof through the window to a back side of the window. At least a part of the front image and at least a part of the back image are in front-to-back registration in window, the registration of the images being subject to verification by suitable inspection of the window. The front and back images may be partial images of a composite image when joined together at a juncture with the front-to- back registration of the partial images located at the juncture so that the images together have an appearance of the composite image in the window. Alternatively, at least a part of the first and second images may be identical with the front-to-back registration of the images located at least one of the identical parts so that the first and second images have an appearance in the window of a single image at those identical parts of the front-to-back registration.
A method is provided for laminating a thermoplastic layer to at least a print area of a printed thermoplastic substrate (e.g. a polycarbonate substrate and laminate layer). A printed thermoplastic substrate comprises a print area on which an image (e.g. a portrait) is printed (e.g. by inkjet printing), the print area comprising a pattern of recessed cells separated by bridges. Each cell comprises recessed image receiving surfaces below a nominal surface of the print area for holding the ink of the printed image. The bridges have surface areas above the ink and the surface areas of the bridges comprising enough of the print area to provide lamination bonding areas. Using heat and pressure, a thermoplastic layer is laminated to at least the print area of the thermoplastic substrate to form lamination bonding between the thermoplastic layer and the lamination bonding areas provided by the surface areas of the bridges.
B32B 3/30 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a particular shape of the outline of the cross-section of a continuous layerLayered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a layer with cavities or internal voids characterised by a layer formed with recesses or projections, e.g. grooved, ribbed
B32B 27/28 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin comprising copolymers of synthetic resins not wholly covered by any one of the following subgroups
B32B 37/00 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding
A method is provided by the invention for making a security document comprising a thermoplastic substrate with a UV light cured printed image that is less likely to result in splitting of the ink of the UV light cured printed image during the lamination step of forming the thermoplastic substrate. The UV light cured image is applied to an interior thermoplastic layer surface of a stack of thermoplastic layers configured to form a thermoplastic substrate upon lamination of the stack and comprises numerous small sub-portions having small gaps between them sufficient to permit relative movement of individual sub-portions during lamination, the thermoplastic layer(s) from the ultraviolet light cured image to an exterior surface of the stack being sufficiently see- through that the image is visible upon viewing the security document. Alternatively, or additionally, the image is applied to an interior surface of an outermost thermoplastic layer of the stack adjacent an intermediate thermoplastic layer of the stack wherein the outermost thermoplastic layer has a higher melting point than the melting point of at least the adjacent intermediate thermoplastic layer.
A hard laminate sheet for security booklets and method of making the same. The laminate sheet comprises at least two hard core layers (e.g. of polycarbonate) and a flexible component (e.g. nylon) there between and extending beyond an outer edge of the core layers to form a flexible band. The flexible component may be provided as an intermediate layer also comprising a hard component (e.g. of polycarbonate) juxtaposed with the flexible component and laminated to the adjacent core layers. The flexible component comprises a plurality of apertures within which material of the adjacent core layers is laminated together and affixes the flexible component to the laminate sheet. Additional hard core layers may be laminated to the core layers which sandwich the intermediate layer. Optionally, the laminate sheet may be used for a travel document (such as a passport) and may be laser engraved. Also, optionally, the laminate sheet may comprise a hard core inlay layer configured for containing a contactless integrated circuit chip and antenna or other electronic hardware.
B32B 3/10 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a discontinuous layer, i.e. apertured or formed of separate pieces of material
B32B 27/28 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin comprising copolymers of synthetic resins not wholly covered by any one of the following subgroups
B42C 5/00 - Preparing the edges or backs of leaves or signatures for binding
B42D 1/06 - Books or other bound products in which the fillings and covers are united by other means
The invention relates to the field of printed security documents and, more particularly, to security documents and methods of making security documents bearing enhanced security features. The security documents may include identification documents or any other known documents of value. The security document includes a transparent window area with an ultraviolet blocking agent incorporated therein. Invisible ultraviolet fluorescent ink patterns are printed on respective opposite sides of the ultraviolet blocking agent within the region of the transparent window area. When either the face side or back side of the security document is illuminated with ultraviolet light, only the pattern printed proximate that side within the area of the transparent window becomes visible. When both face and back sides are simultaneously illuminated with ultraviolet light, the patterns printed on both sides of the ultraviolet blocking agent within the area of the transparent window become visible at the same time.
Label application system and method for applying labels to packages of various sizes and shapes, adaptable for use in a wide range of facilities. The system comprises a gripper for retrieving the label, wherein the gripper releasably and minimally contacts the adhesive side of the label. The system further comprises one or more applicators for firmly applying the label to the package. Movement of the gripper and/or applicators is controlled by a servo-actuated delta-type robot.
Microfluidic security devices and methods for making same are disclosed. A multi-layer thermoplastic polymer security document comprises at least three thermoplastic polymer layers and an embedded security device. The embedded security device is a microfluidic device comprising at least one fluid-filled enclosure, wherein fluid contained with the enclosure is displaceable within the enclosure. Methods of making the security document include adding the device after formation of the security document, and creating the device during formation of the security document.
Provided herein is a method for making a multi-layer thermoplastic polymer security document comprising a watermark security device, the method comprising the steps of: forming at least one window in at least one opaque thermoplastic polymer layer; laminating the at least one opaque thermoplastic polymer layer with two or more transparent or semi-transparent thermoplastic polymer layers, thereby forming a laminated security document having at least one transparent or semi¬ transparent window region; and printing an image in opaque ink onto the window region, thereby forming the watermark. Optionally during the laminating step, at least a portion of the window region is embossed with a repeating pattern, thereby forming depressions on a surface of the security document. During the printing step, the opaque ink is deposited into the depressions.
The invention provides an optically variable printed feature for security documents providing a kinetic appearance of a moving image, optionally with colour shifting, as one views the feature from different angles. A plurality of substantially parallel lines (and/or line segments) are printed on a front surface of a transparent substrate and a corresponding plurality of substantially parallel lines (and/or line segments) are printed on the back surface, located in at least near perfect registration to form sets of lines, each set comprising a predetermined pattern of at least one front surface printed line and at least one back surface printed line. The image of the optically variable feature is defined by a plurality of image pixels each of which comprises a predetermined area of the substrate extending from the front surface to the back surface of the substrate and comprising one set of the predetermined pattern of lines.
A security device for security documents providing an angle-dependent Moiré effect. A security device for a security document and method for making the security device are provided. At least two interlaced laser engraved images forming an angle dependent parallax effect. First and second images are laser engraved at a substrate of the security document and the substrate comprises a non-laser-engravable layer
Micro-structures are formed within multilayer laminate security documents by embossing and/or debossing one or more thermoplastic layers prior to lamination of the layers. The embossed and/or debossed structures are arranged and/or formed in a way that creates a number of different security features, including a watermark formed by a relief micro-structure pattern on an opaque film (layer), a multi-color optically variable device, a 3-dimensional feature over kinegram/metallic ink and/or embossment/debossment over printed surfaces.
B42D 25/21 - Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security featuresManufacture thereof characterised by a particular use or purpose for multiple purposes
B42D 25/30 - Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery
A security device for security documents provides an angle-dependent Moiré effect. A security device for a security document and method for making the security device are provided. At least two interlaced laser engraved images form an angle dependent parallax effect. First and second images are laser engraved at a substrate of the security document. To render the security device more difficult to copy, a colour changing effect or a nonreciprocal transmission effect may be achieved by adding a coloured (absorptive or emissive) layer between or within non-laser engravable layers situated between the laser engravable layers, and/or by adding a patterned phase diffraction grating situated between the laser engravable layers.
Disclosed herein is a monolithic laminated multi-layer thermoplastic polymer security document and method of making same with an improved, difficult-to-counterfeit security device. The security device comprises at least one selective metallized feature located on an embedded or enclosed surface within the monolithic document, by virtue of the fact that the polymer layers are laminated together. The embedded or enclosed surface comprises a selectively metallized feature. In some embodiments, the security device may comprise the selectively metallized feature in combination with one or more laser engraved data.
A method is provided by the invention for printing surface applied images to a thermoplastic substrate to provide improved durability to the printed image. A preforming plate (e.g. lamination plate) for making a thermoplastic substrate used by the method and a security instrument made by the method are also provided by the invention. A thermoplastic substrate comprises in a predetermined area a pattern, preferably a cell pattern, of recessed image receiving surfaces below a nominal surface of the thermoplastic substrate and a pattern of bridges separating the recessed image receiving surfaces, the depths of the recessed image receiving surfaces and the areas of the bridges separating the recessed image receiving surfaces, relative to the areas of the recessed image receiving surfaces, chosen to provide durability to the image after the image has been printed onto the predetermined area. The image may be printed by ink jet printing. To additionally provide security features to the security instrument, latent and hidden images may be formed by latent image recesses and hidden image recesses, respectively, below the nominal surface.
B29C 59/02 - Surface shaping, e.g. embossingApparatus therefor by mechanical means, e.g. pressing
B41F 17/00 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for
B41F 19/02 - Apparatus or machines for carrying out printing operations combined with other operations with embossing
B41J 3/00 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed
B41J 3/407 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
B41M 1/24 - Inking and printing with a printer's forme combined with embossing
B41M 1/30 - Printing on other surfaces than ordinary paper on organic plastics, horn, or like materials
B41M 3/00 - Printing processes to produce particular kinds of printed work, e.g. patterns
Printed products such as security documents may require security features which are difficult to copy in order to prevent copying or counterfeiting of such documents. The present invention provides a printed product and method of printing/metallization to produce such a security feature. The security feature may comprise visible print/image in registration with metallization on a transparent or semi-transparent substrate.
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