MXPA00005343A - Security device having multiple security features and method of making same - Google Patents

Abstract

A security device (10) having multiple security features is used with an item (12), such as a secure document, ticket, label or tag, to authenticate the item and/or encode data pertaining to the item. One example of the security device includes a carrier substrate (14), a metallic layer (20) disposed on the carrier substrate, and a magnetic layer (23a, 23b) disposed on the metallic layer in substantial registration with at least a portion of the metallic layer, thereby providing both metallic security features and magnetic security features. The metallic layer and the magnetic layer also form graphic or visually identifiable indicia (16) on the carrier substrate to provide a visual security feature. According to one method, the metallic layer is applied to the carrier substrate, the magnetic layer is applied to the metallic layer, and the layers are etched to form the graphic indicia. The magnetic layer can, in one embodiment, include a magnetic chemical resist (22) that is printed on the metallic layer in the form of the graphic indicia. The magnetic security features use one or more magnetic characteristics, such as the level of magnetism and decay rate characteristic of soft magnetics, to authenticate and/or to encode data. The magnetic security feature may also include magnetic tracks for recording data. The metallic security features use different lengths of conductive regions to authenticate and/or encode data.

Description

SAFETY DEVICE THAT HAS SEVERAL SAFETY CHARACTERISTICS AND METHOD TO MANUFACTURE IT DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This application claims the benefit of the US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60 / 067,228 filed on December 2, 1997, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The present invention relates to security devices and in particular, to a security device or element that has multiple security features that are used with valuable merchandise or items. The falsification and misuse of security documents or instruments, such as banknotes, checks, tickets, credit cards and the like, and other valuable items or merchandise is a common problem in many fields or companies. To prevent counterfeiting, many security documents and other valuables include a security device or element, such as a security strip, disposed in, or within, the document. The security device typically includes one or more security features, such as metallic security features, magnetic security features, or luminescent security features, which authenticate the document and prevent counterfeiting and misuse. ~ To authenticate the document, many conventional security devices simply require that the existence of a single security feature be detected. In this way, counterfeiters only need to recognize the security feature in a document or article and reproduce that security feature in a forged document or article so that the security feature can be detected to authenticate the forged document. Advances in technology have brought even easier and new ways to identify these safety features and reproduce valuable documents or instruments with the safety device. Thus, there is a need for more disguised security features that can not be easily identified and reproduced. A type of security strip includes metallic features, such as metallic graphic indicia, arranged on a carrier substrate. According to: conventional chemical etching techniques, a chemical resistance is printed on the metallic layer in the form of graphic indicia, either positively or negatively, and the demetallization of the areas of the metallic layer that are not covered by resistance to Chemicals cause the graphic clues to be formed either negatively or positively by means of the remaining metal layer. Safety strips that have only one metallic safety feature, formed in accordance with this method, do not provide adequate protection because the counterfeiter can easily recognize and reproduce the metallic graphic indicia. Attempts have been made to combine multiple security features such as magnetic and metallic characteristics, so that counterfeiting is more difficult. In one example, the magnetic ink is used to print graphic indicia that can be read by detectors in M1CR. However, if magnetic ink is used to print graphic clues about, or with metallic safety features, the magnetic characteristics and metallic characteristics can be easily distinguished and identified. A forger can recognize that both the metallic characteristics and the magnetic characteristics * have been used and need to be reproduced. Other types of security strips have also used hybrid metals or alloys to form graphic clues having both metallic and magnetic security features. However, hybrid metals and the processes for applying and depositing hybrid metals to form graphic clues are costly. Also, the use of hybrid metals limits the ability to vary the magnetic properties that can be used. Therefore, there is a need for a safety device having multiple safety features, such as "magnetic and metallic safety features that can not be easily distinguished and that can be recognized by observing the safety device." There is also a need for security device in which the security features are capable of providing coded data readable by a machine, for example, pertaining to the document or security device, in addition to features that can be detected - for the authentication of the security document. also needed is a method for making a magnetic / metallic safety device, using existing demetalization or chemical etching techniques.The present invention exhibits a magnetic / metallic safety device that is used with an article to "provide multiple safety features. . The security device includes a carrier substrate, a metal layer disposed on the carrier substrate, to provide metallic security features and a magnetic layer, disposed on and in substantially identical correspondence to at least a portion of metal layer portions, to provide magnetic security features. The metallic layer and the magnetic layer together form graphic clues on the carrier substrate, either positively or negatively. In one embodiment, a coating layer is placed on the graphic indicia "formed by the metallic layer and the magnetic layer.The magnetic / metallic security device has different modalities in which the magnetic layer provides magnetic security characteristics. , the graphic indicia are formed as magnetic characters that are readable by MICR detectors.In another embodiment, the magnetic layer includes a magnetic substance; hard able to be magnetized to record data in the magnetic layer. In a further embodiment, the layer includes at least one type of magnetic substance having at least one predetermined magnetic characteristic that can be detected, to authenticate an article having the security device. In one example, the magnetic substance is a soft magnetic pigment capable of maintaining a level of magnetism for a limited period of time. In a further embodiment, the magnetic layer includes at least one first and second types of magnetic substances having at least one first and second_ predetermined magnetic characteristics respectively. The first and second types of magnetic substances are accommodated in the magnetic layer in a predetermined pattern representing the data encoded with the magnetic layer so that the first and second predetermined characteristic can be detected to read the predetermined pattern and decode the data. In one example, the first and second predetermined magnetic characteristics are presented integral and binary, and here the predetermined pattern of the first and second types of magnetic substances represents data in a binary coded form. An example of the first and second types of magnetic substances includes first and second soft magnetic pigments, having first and second layer of predetermined magnetic disintegration and / or predetermined levels of magnetism. The macjnética / metallic security device ^ also has different modalities, in which the metal layer provides metallic security features. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the metal layer includes a predetermined characteristic that is detectable, to authenticate an article having the security device. In another embodiment, the metal layer forms a plurality of conductive regions in the substrate. The conductive regions are separated by non-conductive regions and have at least two different predetermined lengths that form a predetermined pattern to represent the encoded data. The predetermined lengths of the conductive regions can be detected to read the predetermined pattern and decode the data. In one example, the conductive regions include first and second predetermined lengths representing binary integrals, and the predetermined pattern of the first and second lengths of the conductive regions encode the data in a binary encoded format. The present invention also exhibits a magnetic safety device that is used with an axticle. The magnetic safety device comprises a carrier substrate, and a plurality of magnetic regions disposed on the carrier substrate. The plurality of magnetic regions have different predetermined magnetic characteristics and are accommodated in a predetermined pattern representing data encoded by the magnetic regions. The first and second predetermined characteristics are detected to read the predetermined pattern and decode the data. The present invention also exhibits a metal safety device that is used with an article. The metal safety device comprises a carrier substrate, and a plurality of conductive regions disposed on the carrier substrate. The conductive regions are separated by non-conductive regions and have at least two different predetermined lengths that form a predetermined pattern to represent the encoded data. The predetermined lengths of the conductive regions can be detected to read the predetermined patterns and decsdify the data. The present invention also discloses a method for making a magnetic / metallic safety device having a plurality of safety features. The method comprises: providing a carrier substrate having a first and second surfaces; applying a metal layer to at least a portion of the first surface of the carrier substrate; applying a magnetic layer on at least a portion of the metal layer; and etching the magnetic layer and the metallic layer so that the magnetic layer and the metallic layer are in substantially identical correspondence and together form graphic indices on the carrier substrate. The preferred method for making the magnetic / metallic security device comprises: providing a carrier substrate having first and second surfaces; apply a metallic layer to at least a portion with the first surface of the carrier substrate; applying a magnetic chemical resistance to at least a portion of the metal layer, wherein the magnetic chemical resistance forms a pattern of graphic indicia on the metal layer; and chemically etching the metal layer to remove the exposed portions of the metal layer, where the chemical etching is protected by the magnetic chemical resistance so that the chemical resistance to magnetic and a portion of the metal layer underlying the chemical resistance Magnetic joints form a pattern of graphic clues in the carrier substrate. The method may also include applying an additional layer on the graphic indicia formed by the magnetic chemical resistance and the portion of the magnetic layer underlying the magnetic chemical resistance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other features and advantages of the present invention can be better understood by reading the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which: Figure 1 is a top view of a document or article "having a device of security, according to the present invention, Figure 2 is an enlarged top view of a magnetic / metallic security device according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figures 3A-3C are cross-sectional side views of a method for making the magnetic / metallic segregation device according to the present invention, Figure 4A is a top view of a magnetic / metallic security device having magnetic tracks, according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4B is a graphic and schematic illustration of the magnetic / metallic safety device that has safety characteristics metallic and magnetic codes encodable, readable by a machine, according to a "mode of the present invention; Figure 5 is a functional block diagram of a device for detecting or reading magnetic security features, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of a metallic security feature encoded, readable by a machine, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is a side cross-sectional view of a legible metallic security feature readable for a machine and capacitive sensors, for reading the encoded data according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is an enlarged top view of a metallic safety feature readable with a machine according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 is an enlarged top view of a metallic safety feature readable by a machine, in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 is an enlarged view of a metallic safety feature readable by a machine, according to still another embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 11 is a schematic representation of a security instrument, according to an embodiment of the present invention. A security device 10, in Figure 1, according to the present invention, is used with an article 12 to prevent counterfeiting or reproduction of article 12 - or another article to which article 12 is attached. The security device 10 has multiple security features, such as metallic security features and magnetic security features, capable of being encoded with data in a machine readable format in addition to providing authentication of article 12. Metallic and magnetic security features are preferably formed using a chemical resistance magnetic, as will be described in detail in the following, so that at least part of the magnetic and metallic safety features are superimposed generally perfectly and that substantially can not be distinguished at a glance. The security device 10 can be used in security documents that include, but are not limited to, bank notes, tickets, passport, visas, titles, licenses, registers, checks, money orders, original documents, certificates of authority, Event tickets and donation certificates The security device 10 provides authentication of the security document and / or is encoded with data belonging to the security document or the security device itself Security device 10 can also be used in labels, markings or packaging material that includes, but is not limited to, pressure sensitive labels, adhesive labels, in-mold labels, heat shrink labels, woven labels, release tapes, shrink layers and collars, and In this example, the magnetic / metallic security device 10 authenticates and / or is encoded with data related to the articles to which labels or packaging material are attached, such as liquor and other merchandise of value. The security device 10 may also be used with a laminated article that includes, but is not limited to, passports, identification cards, access cards, licenses, and credit / debit cards. In this example, the security device 10 is used to authenticate the. Laminated article and / or is encoded with data related to the article or the owner of the article. The security device 10 may also be used on tickets or passes including, but not limited to, event tickets, ticket tickets, lottery tickets, and admission passes. According to this example, the security device 10 can provide authentication of tickets or passes by themselves and / or can be encoded with data related to the event. The present invention also contemplates other uses and applications for the security device 10 to prevent counterfeiting, reproduction or otherwise providing security for valuable goods or merchandise. According to the exemplary embodiment, the security device 10 is formed as a thread or strip that extends partially or totally along the article 12 in any direction. The security device 10 can be embedded within article 12, adhere to article 12, woven in article 12, or laminated between multiple layers "of article 12. Article 12 can also include, multiple security devices 10 according to the present The security device 10, Figure 2, includes a carrier substrate 14, for example, formed as a yarn or strip A type of carrier substrate 14 is made of a polyester, polyvinyl carbonate or polypropylene film on paper. , the carrier substrate 14 may be a plastic film or metallized paper, or another type of material used in conventional security threads.In the exemplary embodiment, the security device 10 includes graphic indicia formed from a metallic medium. magnetic layer disposed on the carrier substrate 14. The graphic indicia 16 can be positively formed on the carrier substrate 14, i.e. the indicia 16 graphs are composed of magnetic / metallic media. The graphic signs can also be formed inverted, that is, the area 18 surrounding the indicia 16 graphs is composed of the magnetic / metallic medium. The magnetic / metallic security device 10 can also be formed with a combination of positive and inverted graphic indicia. The graphic indicia can be printed as an online work in which the solid areas are used in the desired shape or as a tone in which the small dots are printed with a variable spacing to vary the tone. Although the 16 graphic indices are displayed as alphanumeric characters, the present invention contemplates any type of symbol, design, form or other graphic indicia. The method for making the exemplary security device 10, Figures 3A and 3B, in accordance with the present invention, includes first applying a metallic layer 20 to the carrier substrate 14. The metallic layer 20 preferably includes aluminum that has been deposited by deposition or vapor in the carrier substrate 14. Alternatively, the metallic layer 20 may be a foil or other type of metal applied to the carrier substrate 14. Next, a magnetic chemical resistor 22 is applied to the metallic layer 20 according to the desired pattern of graphical indicia, eg, printed on positive, inverted or both.The magnetic chemical resistance 22 includes film-forming chemical resistance resins containing magnetic pigments or other ferromagnetic pigments Examples of chemical resistance include, but are not limited to, polymerized electron beam (EB) resin system, ultraviolet (UV) based solid or water based, solvent base , or conventional chemical resistance resins Magnetic pigments include both hard and soft magnetic pigments, as will be described in more detail in the following, typically ranging from about 200 oersteds to 10,000 oersteds.A chemical etching process is then performed in magnetic / metal security device 10 and Figure 3B, which removes portions of layer 2 0 metallic, which are not protected by magnetic chemical resistance. The etching process includes conventional chemical etching processes known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The magnetic chemical resistance 22 resists chemical attack and remains in the underlying metallic layer 20, accommodated in the desired printed pattern.The magnetic chemical resistance 22 is superimposed on the "substantially identical correspondence with at least a portion of the layer 20 of underlying metal, thereby providing both metallic and magnetic safety features that are substantially indistinguishable in at least some areas of the safety device 10. The magnetic chemical resistance 22 acts so as to resist the chemical attack while recording the metal layer 20, so as to provide a magnetic safety feature superimposed on the metal safety feature, so that it can not be identified so easily. Alternatively, the graphic indicia can be formed using other types of techniques, including, not limiting to, laser, mechanical tracing, abrasion and the like. In one example, a substrate having a metallic layer is overcoated with a magnetic layer and subjected to a laser engraving process. The laser engraving selectively removes both the metallic and magnetic layers and forms the desired graphic signs having the magnetic security feature superimposed substantially and identically on the metallic security feature.The present invention also contemplates using an additional coating or laminate 24, Figure 3C, on the indicia 16 graphs on one or both sides In one example, the additional layer 24 is used to help hide the security device 10 when it is imbedded in paper and viewed with a reflected light. however, the graphic indicia 16 created with the magnetic chemical resistance will remain visible when viewed in the transmitted light.The security device 10, Figures 4A and 4B, can be encoded with analog digital data readable for a machine or digital data like this. how to provide authentication in multiple ways using the different properties of the face Metallic and magnetic safety characteristics. The use of one or more magnetic and / or metallic properties to authenticate the security device 10 or the article 12 involves detecting whether or not one or more properties "are present in the security device 10. Using one or more magnetic / metal properties. to encode as digital or analog data involves detecting and reading a combination of properties that represent the numeric code, for example in a Binary Coded Decimal (BCD) form, and decode the code to determine the data represented with this.

The magnetic security feature is capable of authenticating an article or coded data belonging to the article in various forms. In one example, the graphic indicia 16 are formed as magnetic characters that can be read by conventional MICR detectors. In this example, graphical indicia 16 are preferably formed as positive text. According to another example, the magnetic chemical resistance 22 includes a hard magnetic pigment that is capable of being magnetized in the same way as a magnetic recording tape. In this example, the graphic indicia 16, Figure 4A, are preferably formed as reverse text in such a way that the magnetic chemical resistance 22 includes the magnetic hard pigment forming one or more magnetic tracks 23 a, Z 3 b. The data or other information of. Authentication can be written to, and read from, the magnetic tracks 23a, 23b using conventional recording devices and read using conventional readers. According to another example, the magnetic chemical resistance 22 includes a soft magnet that can be magnetized and maintains a level of magnetism for a limited period of time depending on the characteristics or properties of the soft magnet. The use of the soft magnet allows the magnetic safety feature to be further concealed because the magnetic properties will not be detected unless a soft magnet is first magnetized. Soft magnets typically have predetermined magnetic characteristics, such as a level of magnetism that can achieve a magnetic charge decay rate. The soft magnets can be used to provide authentication, first magnetizing the magnetic / metallic safety device 10 and then detecting the existence of the magnet, the level of magnetism, or the decay rate. By providing soft magnets with different magnetic characteristics, the different levels of magnetism that can be obtained or decay rates, the graphic indicia, Figure 4B, can be further used to encode data in a machine-readable format. For example, segments 16a-16b of graphic indicia may include two types of soft magnetic pigments, one having a fast decay rate 28a and one having a slow disintegration rate 28b, which represents binary integer coding data in the formed BCD. Some segments 16a, 16c of the graphic indicia are printed with magnets having a fast disintegration rate and other segments 16b, 16d of the graphical indicia are printed with magnets having a slow disintegration rate. a BCD format (0101) providing a predetermined pattern of segments 16a-16d having different types of magnetic pigments The encoded data may include verification data of other data belonging to article 12. According to a method of the present invention, different Resistance formulations 22 Magnetic chemistry having magnetic pigments with different magnetic properties or characteristics are printed on the metallic layer 20 using multiple "print" stations, such as a screen printing press similar to the type used for printing multicolors 7 ~ Using stations Multiple printing allows the gráf clues They are printed in any desired pattern using various combinations of magnetic chemical resistances having various magnetic properties. The present invention also contemplates simultaneously using the level of decay and magnetism rate properties of soft magnets as well as a mixture of hard and soft magnets to achieve any desired combination of magnetic characteristics or properties to authenticate an article or data. encoded belonging to an article. Although the exemplary embodiment described above refers to two different magnetic properties for data encoded in a BCD format, any number of different properties can be used: to encode data in other numeric formats. In addition to providing authentication and coding data using the magnetic security features, the metallic security feature can also provide coded data and / or authentication, for example, by forming segments 16a-16d with different metal lengths representing data in the BCD format (1100), as will be described in more detail in the following. The device 30, Figure 5, used to read the magnetic / metallic safety features includes at least one detector / reader 34 for detecting one or more characteristics of the metal and / or magnetic layers and / or for reading the predetermined pattern formed by the magnetic and metallic regions having different characteristics. After detecting one or more features, an authenticator 36 determines whether the security device is authentic. After reading the predetermined pattern, a decoder 38 decodes the data represented by the predetermined pattern. When the security device 10 includes magnetic security features having soft magnets, the device 30 further includes a magnetic charger 32 which charges the soft magnetic pigments before the reader 34 detects the characteristics of the magnets, such as the existence of magnets. , or level of magnetization, the rate of disintegration of the image, or other detectable magnetic characteristics. Authentication can be made based on whether the soft magnet is present, whether the soft magnet has a predetermined level of magnetization, or whether the soft magnet has a predetermined decay rate. "The decoding performed to determine the pattern of different magnetic characteristics read by the reader 34. For example, if the magnetic / metal security device 10 shown in Figure 4 is magnetized with the magnetizer 32, after a period of time, the segments 16b, 16d that have a slower decay rate 28 will remain magnetized while segments 16a, 16c that have a faster decay rate 28a will no longer be magnetized.The reader 34 distinguishes the different magnetic properties and determines the predetermined pattern of magnetic properties From the predetermined pattern of magnetic properties, the corresponding binary representation (0101) and the data represented herein are coded The metallic security feature 40, Figure 6, according to one embodiment of the present invention, includes a plurality of conductive regions 42 and non-conductive regions 44, such as a metallized polyester film having demetallised interruptions, for example, formed using a chemical resistance process described above. Each non-conductive region 44 is disposed between two of the conductive regions 42. The plurality of conductive regions 42 and non-conductive regions 44 form a predetermined pattern representing a verification code or data encoded with the metallic security feature 40. - "" Each conductive region 42 has one of at least two predetermined lengths, eg, long conductive regions 42a and short conductive regions 42b. Each predetermined length corresponds to a predetermined value so that the data can be determined by detecting the length of each conductive region 42 and determining a corresponding value. In one example, the long conductive regions 42a correspond to xl "and the short conductive regions 42b correspond to" 0. "In accordance with this example, the long and short conductive regions 42a, 42b are used to encode data in the format of BCD The long and short conductive regions 42a, 42b are arranged in a predetermined series corresponding to the binary representation of the data to be encoded., the detector / reader 34 detects the length of each conductive region 42 in the series (e.g., long or short) and determines the corresponding binary representation. To provide the authentication, the binary representation will be matched with a predefined verification code for an article 12. To read the encoded data, the binary representation will be further decoded. Accordingly, depending on the arrangement of the conductive regions 42 having different lengths, a virtually limitless bank of codes or coding data can be encoded using the machine-readable metallic security feature 40. The metallic security feature 40 readable by a machine according to the present invention allows the encoded data to be easily varied by varying the sequence of conductive regions 42a, 42b. The conductive regions can be formed in accordance with different designs taking into account that they are conductive on one of the predetermined lengths, as will be described with detail in the following. Although only two lengths are discussed in the present for simplification, the present invention contemplates using the conductive regions of any number of different lengths to encode data. For example, the octal data can be coded using eight (8) different lengths of conduction regions. A method for reading and verifying the machine readable metal safety feature 40, Figure 7, is by detecting the long and short conductive regions 42a, 42b, using capacitive sensing or verification, such as that described in U.S. Patent No. 5,419,424. , issued to Harbaugh and incorporated herein by reference In accordance with the capacitive verification methods, the machine-readable metal safety feature 40 is placed near the capacitive sensors 50 coupled to a verification device (not shown). When the capacitive sensors 50 are positioned close to the conductive regions 42, the conductive regions 42 capacitively couple a sensor 52a with another sensor 52b.When there is a nonconductive region 44 or "interruption" in the conductivity there will be no capacitive coupling between the two. adjacent capacitive sensors 52b, 52c on either side of the non-conductive region 44. Upon detection changes in capacitance when the machine-readable coded metallic security feature 40 is placed near the capacitive sensors 50, the presence of long and short conductive regions 42a, 42b is effectively detected. The present invention also contemplates other devices and methods of verification capable of detecting the lengths of conductive regions 42a, 42b, as well as various electromagnetic verification devices. The conductive regions 42 of the metal-readable coded feature 40 readable by a machine is preferably formed from a metallic material, such as aluminum. Exemplary methods include, but are not limited to, forming the conductive regions 42 by metallizing a polyester film, hot stamping foil, and printing the conductive regions 42 with a metallic ink. The present invention contemplates other types of metal materials and methods for forming conductive regions and non-conductive interruptions. The metal-coded, machine-readable security feature 40 and the security device in which it is used is preferably designed to allow a minimum "stretch", for example, about 5% or less of variation in length. the "detection of the lengths of the conductive regions 42a, 42b should be due to the potential stretching of the security device and the metallic security feature 40 readable by a machine, for example, due to the potential percentage of change in length. According to another embodiment of the metallic security feature 40a encoded readable by a machine, Figure 8 of the present invention, each conductive region 42a, 42b includes indicia 46 deposited thereon. The indicia 46 printed or disposed on the conductive regions 42a, 42b can be used to provide an additional verification code or data, or can be used to provide false patterns that deceive the counterfeiter and hide the true verification code. Such indicia include alpha-numeric characters 46a, bar codes 46b, or other designs 46c. The indicia 46a-46c according to this embodiment are printed or placed on the conductive regions 42a, 42b, without interrupting the conductivity of each conductive region 42a, 42b and without affecting the capacitive sensing of the length of each conductive region 42a, 42b using capacitive sensors 52 According to another embodiment of the machine-readable coded metallic security feature 40, Figure 9, the conductive regions 42 are formed as conductive clues 62a-62c formed from a conductive material, eg, printed with metallic ink or formed with a chemical resistance process. The "conductive index regions 62a, 62c are set having the individual characters or symbols 49a-49f of the indicia connected at the contact points 48 and spaced apart in the non-conductive regions 44. The 62a-62c regions of conductive indicia in this manner they have predetermined lengths and are accommodated in predetermined patterns representing the coded data to be detected, as discussed above. Conductive cue regions 62a-62c include alpha-numeric characters as well as other symbols or characters used to provide a additional verification code or provide false patterns that deceive the counterfeiter and exclude the true coded data. An additional embodiment of the machine-readable coded metallic security feature 40, Figure 10, of the present invention includes conductive regions 42a-42c, such as narrow regions of metallic material, and 64a-64c regions of non-conductive clues that disrupt the conductivity between conductive regions 42a-42c. For example, specific alpha-numeric characters or other symbols may be formed of non-conductive material or by a chemical resistance or demetallization process between the conductive regions 42a-42c to provide "interruption" in conductivity. The alpha-numeric characters or other symbols constituting the 64a-64c regions of non-conductive indicia also provide additional data or codes and false standards that deceive the counterfeiter and hide the true encoded data. The present invention contemplates the use of magnetic safety features and metallic safety features alone or together in a safety device. Any number of magnetic or metallic properties described above can be used individually or combined with other properties to provide authentication of an article, coded data belonging to an article, or both. - ~~ According to the different embodiments of the present invention, one or more security devices or threads 10. Figure 11 can be provided in different places or can be embedded in a security document or instrument 70. One or more security devices 10 can also be read in various directions as well as right or inverted. In one example, the security instrument 70 is formed by adhering the security device 10 between two layers of average paper weight which are then laminated together. In this example, the security device 10 is preferably not laminated so that any attempt to delaminate the instrument 70 and remove the security device 10 will cause the paper lamination adhesive to remove the metallic and / or magnetic security features. and alter the security feature or coded data. An example of the instrument 70 is a ticket used for sporting events, concert, theater, shows, lotteries, transportation, "amusement parks, fairs and other events.The security device 10 in..the ticket may be encoded with a code r of predetermined authentication or encoded data that can be read when the security instrument 70 is presented, for example, at the time of admission to a particular event In one example, a full code 72 appears at approximately 6.3 cm (2.5 inches) Accordingly, the security device of the present invention authenticates an article and / or is encoded with data belonging to the article in different ways with one or more security features, such as metallic security features and magnetic security features, which generally appear together as a single security feature. "Security features and encrypted data are They are more difficult to identify and reproduce. The method for making the security device using chemical etching and magnetic chemical resistance results in a magnetic security feature that is substantially indistinguishable from a metallic security feature. The method for printing graphic indicia uses a magnetic chemical resistance, it also facilitates the use of magnetic pigments having different characteristics or magnetic properties by printing different formulations of magnetic chemical resistance. - Modifications and substitutions by those with ordinary skill in the art are considered to be included within the scope of the present invention which is not limited except by the following claims.

Claims (49)

1. CLAIMS 1. A magnetic / metallic safety device that is used with an article to provide multiple safety features, the magnetic / metallic safety device is characterized in that it comprises: a carrier substrate; a metal layer disposed on at least a portion of the carrier substrate, to provide metal security features; and a magnetic layer disposed on and in substantially identical correspondence with the metallic layer, to provide characteristics of magnetic security, wherein the metallic layer and the magnetic layer together form a visually identifiable graphic indicia on at least a portion of the carrier substrate 2. The magnetic / metallic security device according to claim 1, characterized in that the magnetic layer includes a chemical resistance 3. The magnetic / metallic security device according to claim 1, characterized in that the graphic indicia visually identifiable are formed as magnetic characters that can be read by MICR detectors .. The magnetic / metallic security device according to claim 1, characterized in that the magnetic layer includes a hard magnetic substance capable of being magnetized to record data in the magnetic layer. 5. The device magnetic / metallic security device according to claim 1, characterized in that the magnetic layer includes at least one type of magnetic substance having at least one predetermined magnetic characteristic, and wherein at least one predetermined magnetic characteristic can be detected , to authenticate-an article that has the security device. The magnetic / metallic safety device according to claim 5, characterized in that "at least one type of magnetic substance is a soft magnetic pigment, capable of maintaining a level of magnetism for a limited period of time, and wherein the predetermined magnetic characteristic includes the level of magnetism capable of being maintained by the soft magnetic pigment and a rate of disintegration of the magnetism level during the limited period of time 7. The magnetic / metallic safety device according to claim 1 , characterized in that the magnetic layer includes at least first and second types of magnetic substances having at least first and second predetermined magnetic characteristics respectively, and wherein the first and second types of magnetic substances ^ are accommodated in the magnetic layer in a pattern default that represents encoded data with the magnetic layer This means that the first and second predetermined characteristics can be detected to read the predetermined pattern and decode the data. The magnetic / metallic security device according to claim 7, characterized in that the first and second predetermined magnetic characteristics represent binary integrals, and wherein the predetermined pattern of the first and second types of magnetic substances represents cyts in binary encoded format. 9. The magnetic / metallic safety device according to claim 7, characterized in that the first and second types of magnetic substances having the first and second magnetic characteristics determined pr include first and second soft magnetic pigments that have first and second default magnetic decay rates. The magnetic / metallic safety device according to claim 7, characterized in that the first and second types of magnetic properties having the first and second predetermined magnetic characteristics include first and second soft magnetic pigments capable of maintaining first and second levels. predetermined magnetism. 11. The magnetic / metallic security device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least a portion of the metal layer includes. less a predetermined characteristic, and wherein at least one predetermined magnetic characteristic can be detected, to authenticate an article having the "security device 12. The magnetic / metallic security device" according to claim 1, characterized in that the metal layer forms a plurality of conductive regions in the substrate, wherein the conductive regions are separated by non-conductive regions, and have at least two different predetermined lengths that form a predetermined pattern to represent the encoded data, - and where the predetermined lengths of the conductive regions can be detected to read the predetermined patterns and decode the data 13. The magnetic / metallic security device according to claim 12, characterized in that the conductive regions include first and second predetermined lengths that represent binary integrals s, and where the predetermined pattern of the first_and second length of the conductive regions encodes the ^ data in a binary encoded format. The magnetic / metallic security device according to claim 12, characterized in that the data encoded by the predetermined pattern of the conductive regions is a verification code 15. The magnetic / metallic security device according to claim 1, characterized in that the visually identifiable graphic indicia are positively formed on the carrier substrate by the magnetic layer and the metal layer underlying the magnetic layer. 16. The magnetic / metallic security device according to claim 1, characterized in that the visually identifiable indicia are negatively formed on the carrier substrate by the magnetic layer and the metal layer underlying the magnetic layer. 17. The magnetic / metallic security device according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes a coating layer disposed over the visually identifiable indicia formed by the metallic layer and the magnetic layer. The magnetic / metallic security device according to claim 17, characterized in that the visually identifiable indicia are hidden when viewed with reflected light and can be observed when viewed with transmitted light. The magnetic / metallic security device according to claim 1, characterized in that it also includes at least one magnetic track disposed along at least a portion of the substrate, for recording data. 20. A magnetic safety device used with an article, the magnetic safety device is characterized in that it comprises: a carrier substrate; and a plurality of magnetic regions disposed on the carrier substrate, wherein the plurality of magnetic regions have different predetermined magnetic characteristics, wherein the plurality of magnetic regions having different predetermined magnetic characteristics are accommodated in a predetermined pattern representing the data encoded by the magnetic regions so that the first and second predetermined characteristics can be detected to read the predetermined pattern and decode the data. The magnetic security device according to claim 20, characterized in that the different predetermined characteristics include at least first and second predetermined "magnetic characteristics" representing binary integrals, and wherein the predetermined pattern of the magnetic regions having first and second second predetermined magnetic characteristics represent data in a coded binary format 22. The magnetic security device according to claim 20, characterized in that the magnetic regions having the different predetermined magnetic characteristics include at least first and second types of soft magnetic pigments having first and second predetermined magnetic decay rates. The magnetic security device according to claim 20, characterized in that the magnetic regions having different predetermined magnetic characteristics include at least first and second types of soft magnetic pigments capable of maintaining first and second predetermined levels of magnetism. 24. The magnetic security device according to claim 20, characterized in that the magnetic regions are formed as graphic indicia on the carrier substrate. - 25. A metal safety device that is used with an article, the metal safety device is characterized in that it comprises: a carrier substrate; and a plurality of conductive regions disposed on the carrier substrate, wherein the plurality of conductive regions are separated by non-conductive regions and have "at least two different predetermined lengths that form a predetermined pattern to represent the encoded data, and wherein the predetermined lengths of the conductive regions can be detected to read the predetermined patterns and decode the data 26. The metallic security device according to claim 25, characterized in that the conductive regions include first and second predetermined lengths representing binary integrals, and wherein the predetermined patterns of the first and second lengths of the conductive regions encode the data in a coded binary format 27. The metallic security device according to claim 25, characterized in that the conductive regions are formed as indic Graphs and non-conductive regions are formed as interruptions between graphic indices. 28. The metallic safety device according to claim 25, characterized in that the non-conductive regions are formed as graphic indicia and the conductive regions are formed around the graphical indicia. 29. A method for making a magnetic / metallic security device having a plurality of security features, the method is characterized in that it comprises: providing a carrier substrate having first and second surfaces; applying a metallic layer to at least a portion of the first surface of the carrier substrate; applying a magnetic layer on at least a portion of the metal layer; and etching the magnetic layer and the metallic layer so that at least a portion of the magnetic layer and the metallic layer are in substantially identical correspondence and together form a visually identifiable indicia on the carrier substrate. 30. The method according to claim 29, characterized in that the etching of the magnetic layer and the metallic layer includes chemically etching the magnetic layer and the metallic layer. 31. The method according to claim 29, characterized in that the engraving of the magnetic layer and the metallic layer includes the laser engraving of the magnetic layer and the metallic layer 32. The method according to claim 29, characterized in that the engraving of the magnetic layer and the magnetic layer mechanically include tracing the magnetic layer and the metallic layer. 33. The method according to claim 29, characterized in that the magnetic layer includes at least first and second types of magnetic substances having at least first and second predetermined magnetic characteristics respectively, and wherein the magnetic layer is applied in such a way that the first and second types of magnetic substances are "accommodated in the magnetic layer in a predetermined pattern." - 3. The method according to claim 29, "characterized in that the metallic layer is recorded so that the metallic layer forms a plurality of conductive regions in the substrate, wherein the conductive regions are separated by non-conductive regions and have at least two different predetermined lengths that form the predetermined pattern. 35. A method for making a magnetic / metallic safety device having a plurality of safety features, the method is characterized in that it comprises: providing a carrier substrate having first and second surfaces; applying a metallic layer to at least a portion of the first surface of the carrier substrate; applying a magnetic chemical resistance to at least a portion of the metal layer, wherein the magnetic chemical resistance forms a pattern in the metallic layer; and chemically etching the metal layer to remove the exposed portions of the metal layer, where the chemical etching is protected by the magnetic chemical resistance so that the chemical resistance to magnetic and a portion of the metal layer underlying the chemical resistance Magnetic boards form the pattern on the carrier substrate. 36. The method of compliance with the claim 35, characterized in that the magnetic chemical resistance includes a film-forming chemical resistance resin containing magnetic pigments. 37. The method according to claim 36, characterized in that the film-forming chemical resistance resin includes a resin selected from the group consisting of solvent-based resins, water-based resins, solid-based resins, resins. polymerized by ultraviolet, and resins polymerized by electron beam. 38. The method of compliance with the claim 36, characterized in that the magnetic pigments include soft magnetic pigments having at least one predetermined magnetic characteristic. 39. The method according to claim 35, characterized in that the step of applying the magnetic chemical resistance includes printing the graphic indicia using magnetic chemical resistance. 40. The method according to claim 35, characterized in that it further includes: applying an additional layer on the graphic indicia formed by the magnetic chemical resistance and the portion of the metal layer underlying the magnetic chemical resistance. 41. A method for authenticating a magnetic / metallic security device characterized in that it comprises the steps of: writing data in a magnetic layer disposed on at least a portion of a carrier substrate; read magnetic data from the magnetic layer; and compare the magnetic data read with expected magnetic data 42. The method according to the claim 41, characterized in that the expected magnetic data includes predetermined magnetic data. 43. The method according to the claim 42, characterized in that the predetermined magnetic data includes analog data. 44. The method according to claim 42, characterized in that the predetermined magnetic data includes digital data. 45. The method according to claim 41, characterized in that the magnetic data includes a magnetic level. 46. The method of compliance with the claim 45, characterized in that the magnetic level is selected from the group consisting of a high magnetic level, a low magnetic level and a medium magnetic level. 47. The method according to claim 45, characterized in that the expected data includes the decay rate of the magnetic level. ~ - 48. The method according to claim 41, further characterized in that it includes before the step of writing data in the magnetic layer, the step of determining the presence of a magnetic layer in the magnetic / metallic security device. 49. The method according to claim 41, further characterized in that it includes before the step of writing data in the magnetic layer the step of determining the presence of a metallic layer in the magnetic / metallic security device. - - SUMMARY A security device (10) having various security features is used with an article (12), such as a security document, ticket, tag or brand, to authenticate the article and / or encode data pertaining to the article. An example of the security device includes a carrier substrate (14), a metal layer (20) disposed on the carrier substrate and a magnetic layer (23a, 23b) disposed on the metallic layer in substantial correspondence with at least a portion of the layer metal, thus providing both metallic safety features and magnetic safety features. The metal layer and the magnetic layer also form graphic or visible identification signs (16) on the substrate to provide a visual security feature. According to one method, the metal layer is applied to the carrier substrate, the magnetic layer is applied to the metal layer and the layers can be chemically etched to form the graphic indicia. The magnetic layer can, in one embodiment, include a magnet with chemical resistance (22) which is printed on the metal layer in the form of graphic indicia. The magnetic safety features, use one or more magnetic characteristics, such as the level of magnetism and the characteristic of decay rate of soft magnets, to authenticate and / or encode data. The magnetic security feature may include tracks to record data. Metallic security features use different lengths of conductive regions to authenticate and / or encode data.