Abstract:
The invention relates to an identity card or similar data carrier having a copy protection element. The copy protection element contains a metal layer in which markings are incorporated with the aid of a laser beam by completely removing the metal layer in the area of the markings. The copy protection effect is produced by combining at least partial areas of an additional layer with the metal layer so that the marks are not electrophotographically reproducible, or not in accordance with the original, as such or in combination with the metal layer.
Abstract:
Applications of photoerasable colorant composition include photoerasable price markings for pricing goods, documents such as gaming tickets for securely communicating concealed information, photoerasable paint for temporary markings on terrain and structures such as signs, roadways, trees, and buildings, marking instruments such as pens, and wick or felt markers, ultraviolet light exposure indicators, and dry printing. The photoerasable or mutable colorant composition comprises a mutable colorant and an ultraviolet radiation transorber which, upon irradiation with ultraviolet radiation, interacts with the colorant to irreversibly mutate the colorant and thereby render the colorant substantially colorless. The mutable colorant composition may also include a molecular includant.
Abstract:
Applications of photoerasable colorant composition include photoerasable price markings for pricing goods, documents such as gaming tickets for securely communicating concealed information, photoerasable paint for temporary markings on terrain and structures such as signs, roadways, trees, and buildings, marking instruments such as pens, and wick or felt markers, ultraviolet light exposure indicators, and dry printing. The photoerasable or mutable colorant composition comprises a mutable colorant and an ultraviolet radiation transorber which, upon irradiation with ultraviolet radiation, interacts with the colorant to irreversibly mutate the colorant and thereby render the colorant substantially colorless. The mutable colorant composition may also include a molecular includant.
Abstract:
An improved scratch card instant lottery ticket includes micro-encapsulated chemical reactants which, when released, irreversibly form one of a visual color change or a fluorescence signature at a location of the card. Both the visual color change and fluorescence signature indicate that the location has been played. Scratch cards are also marked to indicate that they have been read. Cards are marked by either automatically activating chemical reactants to form a visual color and a fluorescence signature, heating a thermofluorescent material to alter a fluorescence signature, or applying a heat-responsive material to the scratch card in such that when the identification code is read, an altered material is detected. Also taught are a method and apparatus for evaluating the scratch card to determine which locations on the card have been played. The evaluation method includes the steps of: (A) directing over at least two angles a beam of light emitted from a light source to impinge on a location of the card; (B) detecting for each of the at least two angles a component of the beam of light as it leaves the location; (C) measuring scattering angles for the location from the components detected leaving the location over the at least two angles; and (D) comparing the scattering angles of the location to a predetermined threshold, and when the angles exceed the threshold identifying the location as unplayed.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a two overlapping layer element for cash bill and prize game applications, comprising: a first paper module, specifically designed for a cash bill use; a second paper module specifically designed for a prize game use; and coupling means for coupling the top side edge of the second module to the bottom side edge of the first module overlapped thereon.The second module is provided with a top surface which comprises a plurality of portions of the winning or not-winning type, which portions can be seen only upon removing the first module.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a process which comprises (a) applying to a recording sheet a marking material comprising a Raman-detectable component which, when irradiated with monochromatic radiation, exhibits a detectable Raman spectrum, thereby forming a mark on the recording sheet; (b) irradiating the mark on the recording sheet with monochromatic radiation; and (c) measuring the Raman spectrum of radiation scattered from the mark when the mark is irradiated with monochromatic radiation.
Abstract:
A game ticket assembly is provided with a printed band whereby game symbols printed on the ticket are obscured and a commercial entity associated with the ticket is promoted. The trade name or logo of the commercial entity is printed on the band in a repeating confusion pattern and is observable by players.
Abstract:
An identification code signal is hidden in a carrier signal (such as an electronic data signal or a physical medium) in a manner that permits the identification signal later to be discerned. The carrier signal can thereby be identified, or some machine responsive action can thereby be taken. In one image steganography embodiment, the relative strength of the identification code signal is both perceptually adapted in accordance with psychovisual characteristics of the image, and globally scaled in accordance with a user-set visibility control. The technique can be applied in video imagery embodiments to control associated video equipment, e.g. to serve as a copy control signal.
Abstract:
There is disclosed a method for the time-delayed defacement of all or part of a printed work, such as a time-dependent coupon. Such method comprises applying opaque print onto a substrate and applying an opacity-labile composition of lesser nascent opacity than the visible print onto the substrate in such a manner that a change in the opacity of the opacity-labile composition causes a time-delayed defacement of the printed substrate.
Abstract:
An original document includes alphanumeric characters defined by an overprinted reflective layer formed on a complex patterned region, and having graphic or font size, shape and type coordinated to the particular patterns in the patterned region. The coordination of the overprinted reflective layer with the patterned region is such that if the document is electronically scanned or duplicated by xerographic photocopying, the pattern will at least partially obscure the alphanumeric characters so that they can only be read with difficulty, thereby camouflaging the text.