WO2011091817A1 - Procédé et appareil pour incorporation d'informations non visibles dans un produit - Google Patents

Procédé et appareil pour incorporation d'informations non visibles dans un produit Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2011091817A1
WO2011091817A1 PCT/EP2010/000580 EP2010000580W WO2011091817A1 WO 2011091817 A1 WO2011091817 A1 WO 2011091817A1 EP 2010000580 W EP2010000580 W EP 2010000580W WO 2011091817 A1 WO2011091817 A1 WO 2011091817A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
product
visible information
base layer
obscuring
layer
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2010/000580
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Allan Harle
John Harvey
Ian Gibb
Original Assignee
Inspectron Holdings Plc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Inspectron Holdings Plc filed Critical Inspectron Holdings Plc
Priority to PCT/EP2010/000580 priority Critical patent/WO2011091817A1/fr
Publication of WO2011091817A1 publication Critical patent/WO2011091817A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
    • G07D7/00—Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of valuable papers or for segregating those which are unacceptable, e.g. banknotes that are alien to a currency
    • G07D7/005—Testing security markings invisible to the naked eye, e.g. verifying thickened lines or unobtrusive markings or alterations
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/06—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code

Definitions

  • the present application generally addresses product identification and packaging, and more specifically the association of identifying information related to a product with an item used to package the product, or which is affixed to the product or the product's packaging.
  • Non- visible information can be incorporated into a product, such as a security document, using a variety of means.
  • an ePassport utilizes a chip, attached to an inlay and embedded in the cover of the passport, to provide identifying information about the passport.
  • the chip is read using an electronic device.
  • the inlay of the chip in the passport has an antenna attached to enable the electronic device to read the chip.
  • security documents have incorporated a magnetic barcode.
  • the magnetic barcode is a barcode which emits a magnetic field, and the properties of the magnetic field encode information. For example, in an ePassport , the magnetic barcode on the inlay encodes the serial number of the chip which is attached to the inlay. Since the information is encoded magnetically, it is non-visible.
  • the magnetic barcode in an ePassport typically serves only as a checksum for the attached chip. That is, the magnetic barcode includes an identifier that should correspond to an identifier read from the chip. If the identifier encoded by the magnetic barcode and the identifier read from the chip do not match, the chip is rejected as defective or forged. This allows ePassport manufacturers to protect against, for example, manufacturing errors or subsequent corruption of the chip.
  • the magnetic barcode in an ePassport serves only as a checksum for the attached chip, the magnetic barcode is only meaningful when deployed in conjunction with a corresponding chip.
  • the barcode and chip are generally provided on a special-purpose inlay designed to accommodate the barcode and chip.
  • the inlay may then be incorporated into a security document, such as a passport, by affixing the inlay to the document in a suitable location, such as the inside cover.
  • a security document such as a passport
  • This incorporation of the inlay into the document entails additional risks and manufacturing costs. For example, if the inlay is removed, the inlay can be used to falsely identify another document to which the inlay is attached.
  • Additional drawbacks relate to the need to obscure magnetic barcodes. It is sometimes desirable to obscure the magnetic barcode, as obscuring the barcode may prevent the barcode from being copied and used to identify a forged document.
  • Non-visible information is information which is encoded in such a way as to be visually imperceptible to a human, but readable by means of the encoding's energy signature, field, or some other non-visual means.
  • a variable magnetic code is a symbol or group of symbols, such as a barcode, that give rise to a particular magnetic field that can be used to encode information.
  • the magnetic code can be varied to give rise to a different magnetic field, and hence encode different information. Due to the way that the variable magnetic code is incorporated into the product, the product is cheap and easy to manufacture when compared to conventional inlay-based incorporation methods.
  • Other types of non-visible information and non- visible encodings will be described in detail below.
  • non-visible information includes encodings, such as a magnetic barcode, which themselves may be visible, but which are obscured in some way so as to be visually imperceptible to a human.
  • encodings such as a magnetic barcode
  • the non-visible information described herein may be provided directly on a product.
  • the surface on which the non- visible information is provided is referred to as a "base layer," and the non-visible information on the base layer can be obscured using a variety of methods described herein.
  • the base layer remains unobscured and accordingly can serve additional functions, such as aesthetic or informational functions.
  • the non-visible information is not restricted to identifying an associated chip or serving as a checksum against chip- manufacturing errors, but rather may provide information about the product on which the variable magnetic code is printed, or an asset associated with the product.
  • some embodiments provide non-visible information on a base layer in a configuration that allows the non- visible information to be obscured when in use without requiring that the base layer be totally covered.
  • Such configurations allow the base layer to serve other functions, such as providing a medium for displaying visually perceptible identifying information, for example on a smart card, or serving as a label-front for an affixable label.
  • the non-visible information is provided in conjunction with secure obscuring layers that obscure the non-visible information from view. These obscuring configurations and layers allow the non- visible information to be reliably obscured while leveraging the base layer for other functions.
  • the product includes a base layer onto which information is directly encoded using the non-visible information.
  • the non-visible information is provided on an exterior surface of the base layer.
  • An obscuring layer may also be provided.
  • the obscuring layer is provided separately from the base layer and obscures the non-visible information from view.
  • the obscuring layer may be a card face, a thin material film, a latex sheet, foil, varnish, or opaque ink printed over the variable magnetic code. At least a portion of the base layer may remain unobscured when the product is assembled or in use.
  • the non-visible information is provided on an interior surface of the base layer, and the base layer is provided in configurations that allow the non-visible information to be obscured without the need for a separate obscuring layer.
  • the exterior surface of the base layer may provide additional functionality.
  • a method for incorporating non-visible information into a product includes providing a base layer having an interior surface and an exterior surface. Information may be encoded directly on the interior surface of the base layer using non-visible information.
  • the non-visible information may encode information that identifies the source of the product, the identity of the product, the identity of an asset to which the product is affixed, or the identity of an asset for which the product serves as packaging.
  • the method may also include providing an obscuring layer separate from the base layer. The obscuring layer may be provided on the base layer and may obscure the non-visible information from view.
  • the product incorporating non- visible information may be a card, such as a smart card, and the variable magnetic code may be sandwiched between the base layer and the card face.
  • the non-visible information may encode information that identifies the issuer or source of the card.
  • the product may be a security document
  • the obscuring layer may consist of opaque ink printed over the non-visible information.
  • the non-visible information may uniquely identify the document.
  • the product may be a ticket, such as a lottery ticket.
  • the non-visible information may encode identifying information related to a prize that is redeemable using the ticket.
  • the non-visible information may be read by a gaming machine that informs a ticket holder of the redeemable prize.
  • the product may be an attachable label.
  • the label may be attached to an asset using adhesive, or by some other fixation means.
  • the non-visible information may provide identification information for the asset to which the label is attached, and may be cross-referenced with an asset tracking database.
  • the product may include packaging for an asset, and the non-visible information encodes brand information related to the asset. In such an embodiment, the non-visible information may provide, for example, brand information related to the asset. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1A depicts an exemplary product 100 including non- visible information and an obscuring layer in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
  • FIG. IB depicts an exemplary product 100 including non- visible information without an obscuring layer in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a flowchart depicting an exemplary method for producing a product 100 according to the embodiment depicted in FIGs. 1A and IB.
  • FIG. 3 depicts an apparatus suitable for reading a variable magnetic code from a product 300 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
  • FIG. 4A depicts the top and bottom layers of a smart card 400 separately, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
  • FIG. 4B is an exploded view of an assembled smart card 400 incorporating non- visible information, according to an exemplary embodiment.
  • FIG. 5A depicts a prize ticket 500 according to an exemplary embodiment.
  • FIG. 5B depicts a ticket reader 540 suitable for use with the prize ticket 500 of FIG. 5A.
  • FIG. 6 depicts a security document 600 incorporating non-visible information, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
  • FIG. 7A depicts a first step in producing a security document 700 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
  • FIG. 7B depicts a second step in producing a security document 700 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
  • FIG. 7C depicts a third step in producing a security document 700 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
  • FIG. 7D depicts a fourth step in producing a security document 700 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
  • FIG. 8A depicts unassembled packaging 800 incorporating non-visible information according to an exemplary embodiment.
  • FIG. 8B depicts assembled packaging 830 incorporating non-visible information, according to an exemplary embodiment.
  • FIG. 8C depicts the packaging 830 with an additional obscuring layer 740.
  • FIG. 8D depicts the packaging 830 in a sealed in-use condition.
  • FIG. 9A depicts the front side of a label 900 incorporating non-visible information according to an exemplary embodiment.
  • FIG. 9B depicts the back side of a label 900 incorporating non-visible information according to an exemplary embodiment.
  • FIG. 9C depicts a side view of a label 900 incorporating non-visible information according to an exemplary embodiment.
  • FIG. 10A depicts a first step in producing a label incorporating non-visible information in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
  • FIG. 10B depicts a second step in producing a label incorporating a non-visible information in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
  • FIG. IOC depicts a third step in producing a label incorporating non-visible information in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
  • Exemplary embodiments described herein provide products incorporating non- visible information such as a variable magnetic code, and methods for incorporating non- visible information into a product.
  • the non-visible information may identify, for example, the source of the product, the identity of the product, or the identity of an asset to which the product is affixed or for which the product serves as packaging.
  • the types of information encoded by the non-visible information are not limited to only these types of information, and one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the non-visible information may be utilized to encode any suitable information.
  • the product incorporating the non-visible information includes a base layer onto which information is encoded using the non-visible information.
  • the base layer may be an integral part of the product.
  • variable magnetic code represents information using a magnetic field.
  • the properties of the magnetic field encode the information.
  • the properties of the magnetic field may be modified by modifying the code which gives rise to the magnetic field.
  • a variable magnetic code may include a symbol or material that emits a magnetic field which encodes information, such as a magnetic barcode or a magnetic stripe.
  • some forms of magnetic stripes which require direct physical contact with a reader may not be suitable for some applications, such as when the variable magnetic code is obscured by an obscuring layer.
  • variable magnetic code instead of a variable magnetic code, radioactive code, heat-sensitive code, ultraviolet-sensitive code, or other forms of encodings which are readable by non-visual means may be used.
  • variable magnetic code radioactive code, heat-sensitive code, ultraviolet-sensitive code, or other forms of encodings which are readable by non-visual means.
  • radioactive code instead of a variable magnetic code, radioactive code, heat-sensitive code, ultraviolet-sensitive code, or other forms of encodings which are readable by non-visual means
  • heat-sensitive code heat-sensitive code
  • ultraviolet-sensitive code ultraviolet-sensitive code
  • An obscuring layer may be provided for the product incorporating non-visible information.
  • the obscuring layer is provided separately from the base layer and obscures the non- visible information from view.
  • the obscuring layer may be a card face, a thin material film, a latex sheet, foil, varnish, or opaque ink printed over the non-visible information.
  • broken lines are generally employed to represent non- visible information that is obscured in the perspective or view depicted.
  • non-visible information is encoded using means such that the encoding itself is not visible (for example, using so-called "invisible inks")
  • an obscuring layer may not be necessary because the non-visible information will generally not be visually perceptible.
  • FIG. 1A depicts an exemplary product 100 including non-visible information and an obscuring layer in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
  • the product 100 includes a base layer 110 having a front surface 112 and a back surface 114.
  • the front surface in the product 100 depicted in FIG. 1A, the front surface 112 and back surface 114 are generally interchangeable due to the presence of an obscuring layer 130, so elements provide on the front surface 112 may equally be provided on the back surface 114.
  • Non-visible information 120 such as a variable magnetic code
  • the non-visible information 120 may be provided on the base layer 110 using a variety of methods.
  • the non- visible information 120 can be printed in magnetic ink or magnetic toner using a special-purpose printer.
  • magnetic ink is Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) compliant ink commonly used by banks for check-printing applications.
  • MICR compliant ink is produced, for example, in the VersalnkTM line of inks from G7 Productivity Systems of San Diego, California. MICR compliant ink can be applied by many standard inkjet and laserjet printers.
  • the non-visible information 120 may be provided by hand, using an applicator, using a spray, painting magnetic ink using a template, or any of a variety of methods known to those of skill in the art.
  • U.S. Patent No. 7,197,174, entitled “Magnetic Ink Encoding Pen” is directed to a magnetic ink encoding stylus having a magnetic ink write head.
  • VersalnkTM also provides other forms of ink suitable for encoding non-visible information in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the invention, such as invisible fluorescent ultraviolet ink.
  • Other forms of non-visible encodings such as heat-sensitive ink or radioactive ink, may also be employed.
  • the non-visible encoding is not limited to information encoded using ink, but may be encoded using other means.
  • the non- visible information 120 may encode information that identifies the source of the product 100. For example, if the product 100 is a credit card, the non-visible information 120 may identify the card issuer. Alternatively, the non-visible information 120 may encode information that identifies the identity of the product 130. For example, the non-visible information 120 may encode an identification number of the product 100, where the identification number uniquely identifies the product 100.
  • An obscuring layer 120 is provided separately from the base layer 110.
  • the obscuring layer 120 may be non-integral with the base layer 110, and may be fabricated from different materials than the base layer 110.
  • the obscuring layer 130 may be provided on the base layer 110 and obscures the non-visible information 120 from view. That is, when the obscuring layer 130 is in place, the non-visible information 120 is not ascertainable or perceivable by visual means.
  • the obscuring layer 130 may be made from a variety of materials, including (but not limited to) a card face, a thin material film, a latex sheet, foil, varnish, or opaque ink printed over the non- visible information 120.
  • the obscuring layer should generally not be a material that would interfere with achieving an accurate reading of the non-visible information.
  • a magnetic material may distort a magnetic field encoded using the non-visible information, giving a different result than would be obtained by a non-distorting material.
  • the base layer 110 remains unobscured when the product 100 is assembled or in use.
  • the unobscured portion of the base layer 110 is ascertainable or perceivable by visual means.
  • the unobscured portion of the base layer may be provided on the front surface 112 or the back surface 114.
  • the unobscured portion of the base layer 110 may be used to provide visual information which may correspond to the information encoded by the non-visible information 120. For example, if the product 100 is a credit card, and the non-visible information 120 encodes
  • the identity of the credit card issuer may also be provided on the unobscured portion of the base layer. In this way, a user may verify that the product 100 is genuine.
  • FIG. IB depicts an exemplary product 140 including non- visible information 160 without an obscuring layer in accordance with another exemplary embodiment.
  • the non-visible information 160 (such as variable magnetic code) is obscured from visual perception using a means other than a separate obscuring layer.
  • the body of the base layer 150 may serve to obscure the non-visible information 140, or the product 140 may be employed in a configuration that hides the non-visible information 160 from view when the product 140 is in use.
  • the base layer 105 includes an exterior surface 152 and an interior surface 154.
  • the exterior surface 152 will generally be exposed to visual perception when the product 140 is assembled or in use.
  • the interior surface 154 will generally remain hidden from visual perception when the product 140 is assembled or in use.
  • the non-visible information 160 may be provided on the interior surface 154, and will generally be obscured by the base layer when the product 140 is assembled or in use.
  • the exterior surface 152 may be leveraged to provide visual information, or may serve other functions.
  • the non- visible information 160 may be provided on the interior surface 154 of the base layer 150. These configurations may be suitable, for example, when the non-visible information 160 encodes information that identifies the identity of an asset to which the product 140 is affixed or the identity of an asset for which the product 140 serves as packaging. These configurations will be addressed in more detail below.
  • the product 140 may also include an obscuring layer provided separately from the base layer 150 for extra security.
  • the obscuring layer may be provided on the base layer 150 and may obscure the non-visible information 160 from view.
  • the obscuring medium should not be so thick as to block the energy signature or field that is emitted by the non-visible information from an outside reader, and the obscuring medium should not be made from a material that will significantly distort the energy signature or field of the non- visible information.
  • the obscuring medium used will depend on the application, and further will depend on the particular configuration of the non-visible information. For example, when a variable magnetic code emits a particularly strong magnetic field, a thicker obscuring medium may be employed.
  • FIG. 2 is a flowchart depicting an exemplary method for producing a product according to the embodiment depicted in FIGs. 1 A and IB.
  • a base layer for the product is provided.
  • the base layer includes an interior surface that is not visually perceptible when the product is assembled or in use, and an exterior surface that is visually perceptible when the product is assembled or in use.
  • the base layer includes a front surface and a back surface, where both the front and back surface are at least partially visible when the product is assembled or in use.
  • the base layer may be provided such that it is not totally enclosed or encompassed by another layer when the product is assembled or in use. That is, at least a portion of the base layer may be visible when the product is assembled or in use.
  • the base layer may be an integral part of the product, such as when the product is a smart card and the base layer is one of the layers of the card, or the base layer may be the product itself, such as when the product is a security document.
  • the base layer is a part of the packaging for an asset.
  • the asset may be any product, article, or manufacture accommodated in the packaging.
  • the asset may be a product with a particular brand-name for which brand-protection is desired.
  • the base layer is designed to be affixed to an asset, for example, for purposes of asset tracking.
  • the base layer may be made from a number of different materials, depending on the application. Some examples of suitable materials include (but are not limited to) plastic, non-ferrous metal, paper, cardboard, wood, and rubber.
  • non-visible information which includes non- visible encoding means.
  • the information may be encoded directly on the base layer.
  • the variable magnetic code may be in the form of a magnetic barcode or a magnetic stripe.
  • the information may be encoded using other non-visual encoding means, such as radiation, ultraviolet-sensitive materials, and heat sensitive materials.
  • Non-visible information is encoded in such a way as to give rise to a unique energy signature or field.
  • a variable magnetic code gives rise to one or more magnetic fields, as described in more detail below with respect to FIG. 3.
  • the one or more magnetic fields will be referred to herein in the singular, although the present application recognizes that multiple magnetic fields may be generated by magnetic code.
  • the magnetic field has a number of properties dictated by the configuration of symbols in the magnetic code, the size of the symbols in the magnetic code, and the materials used in the magnetic code. Any of the properties of the magnetic code may be varied in order to give rise to a different magnetic field or combination of magnetic fields. Information may be encoded by varying the magnetic field produced by the variable magnetic code, so that different magnetic fields represent different pieces of information. By measuring the properties of a magnetic field, a user can either retrieve the information directly, or reconstruct the variable magnetic code that gave rise to the magnetic field. As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, similar logic applies to other forms of energy signatures and fields emitted by other forms of non- visible information, such as radioactive materials, heat-sensitive materials, and UV-sensitive materials.
  • the non-visible information may be obscured by providing an obscuring medium.
  • the non- visible information may be permanently obscured by the obscuring medium, or may be obscured only when the product is assembled or in use.
  • the obscuring medium is an obscuring layer separate from the base layer.
  • the product is, for example, a security document or a prize ticket, and the non-visible information would otherwise be visible to a user.
  • the non-visible information employed may encode information that identifies one of the source of the product or the identity of the product.
  • the non-visible information may be obscured by other means.
  • the obscuring medium may be the exterior surface of the base layer.
  • the non-visible information may be provided in a location that is not accessible when the product is assembled or in use.
  • the product when the product is an affixable label and the non-visible information encodes information that identifies the identity of an asset to which the product is affixed, the non-visible information may be provided on an inside surface of the label and may not be visible while the label is in use.
  • the product may be packaging for an asset, and the non-visible information may be provided on an interior surface of the packaging. In this case, the non-visible information may encode the identity of an asset for which the product serves as packaging.
  • the obscuring medium is an obscuring layer affixed to the base layer.
  • the obscuring medium may cover a portion, but not all, of the exterior surface of the base layer.
  • the obscuring medium may be, for example, an obscuring layer made from card face, a thin material film, a latex sheet, foil, varnish, or opaque ink printed over the non-visible information.
  • FIG. 3 depicts a reader 320 suitable for reading the energy signature or field emitted by non- visible information 302 from a document 300 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment,
  • the components depicted in FIG. 3 may be provided integrally or separately.
  • a product 300 is provided with integrated non-visible information 302.
  • the non-visible information may be, for example, variable magnetic code gives rise to a magnetic field 310.
  • a reader 320 is provided for measuring a magnetic field.
  • the reader 320 may include a field detector 322 that measures magnetic fields. When placed in a magnetic field, the field detector 322 measures the strength, location, and direction of the local magnetic field, and may therefore reconstruct field lines of the magnetic field. When a sufficient number of data points are established, the reader may determine the properties of the magnetic field.
  • the reader 320 may include a display 323 or other means of alerting a user to the encoded information.
  • the reader 320 may include an interface 324 for interfacing to an electronic device 330.
  • the electronic device 330 may be, for example, a computer, a server, a personal digital assistant, a cellular phone, or a custom-designed electronic device.
  • the depicted electronic device 330 is exemplary only, and one of ordinary skill in the art will
  • the electronic device 330 may contain a storage 332 for storing instructions to be executed by one or more processors 334, such as a microprocessor, ASIC, FPGA, or a controller.
  • the processors 334 may be single-core or may be multi-core processors.
  • the stored instructions may cause the one or more processors 334 to perform a series of steps described in detail herein.
  • the instructions may be in any form that describes how to perform these steps. For example, the instructions may be uncompiled code in any suitable programming language, compiled code, assembly language instructions, or any other type of instructions.
  • the storage 332 may include one or more electronic device readable storage media. Examples of electronic device-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, magnetic storage media, or optical storage media, such as CDs or DVDs.
  • the storage 332 may also store an operating system for operating the electronic device 330.
  • the storage 332 may store additional applications for providing additional functionality, as well as data for use by the electronic device 330 or another device.
  • the electronic device 330 may have a communication device 338 for
  • the communication device 338 may be, for example, a modem, an Ethernet connection, a fiber optic connection, a radio antenna, or any suitable means for communicating with a network.
  • the electronic device 330 may also include an interface 336 sending data to and receiving data from the interface 324 of the reader 320.
  • the interface 336 of the electronic device 330 may be the same type of interface as the interface 324 of the reader 320, or may be a different type of interface. Examples of suitable interfaces include, but are not limited to, USB interfaces, serial interfaces, parallel interfaces, optical interfaces, wireless interfaces employing visible light, sound, or radio waves, and wired interfaces.
  • the electronic device 330 may include one or more displays 340 for outputting information to a user, which may be (but are not limited to) a monitor, projector, or printer.
  • the electronic device 340 may further include one or more input devices 350 for receiving information from a user, which may be (but are not limited to) a keyboard, a mouse, a touch-screen interface, a voice-activated interface, or a motion sensor.
  • FIG. 4A depicts an unassembled smart card 400 incorporating non-visible information, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
  • the smart card 400 includes a base layer 410 and a top layer 420.
  • the base layer 410 has an exterior back side 412 that is exposed to visual perception when the smart card 400 is assembled.
  • the back layer may provide information or serve as an aesthetic medium.
  • a magnetic strip 413 may be provided on the back side 412 of the base layer 410. However, care should be taken so that the magnetic strip 413 does not interfere with the encoded non-visible information. For example, if the non-visible information is read by exposing the smart card 400 to a magnetic field, the magnetic field may erase the information present on the magnetic strip 413.
  • the base layer 410 also has an internal front side 414 that faces the top layer 420 when the smart card is assembled. In this way, the internal front side 414 is obscured when the smart card 400 is assembled.
  • the top layer 420 serves as an obscuring layer.
  • the top layer 420 is the example of a smart card 400 is a card face, which may provide information or serve as an aesthetic medium.
  • the top layer 420 may present visually perceptible identifying information 422, such as the name of the card holder, the origin, source, or issuer of the card, or the origin date of the card.
  • Non-visible information 430 is provided on the bottom layer 410.
  • the non-visible information is provided directly on the bottom layer 410.
  • the non-visible information 430 may encode information that identifies the issuer or source of the smart card 400.
  • the information encoded by the non-visible information 430 may correspond to the identifying information 422 present on the card face. In this way, the card may be identified as genuine if the information encoded by the variable magnetic code 430 matches the identifying information 422 on the face of the card.
  • the smart card serves as a smart credit card.
  • the non-visible information may encode the issuer of the card.
  • the non-visible information may be checked to determine whether the card is being correctly manufactured. For example, the if a backing is manufactured for a VISA card having a VISA magnetic stripe, the non-visible information on the card backing may identify the card as a VISA card.
  • the non-visible information may be checked by the manufacturing equipment to ensure that the correct card front is applied to the backing. This may prevent, for example, a MASTERCARD front from being applied to a VISA backing.
  • FIG. 4B is an exploded view of an assembled smart card 400 incorporating non- visible information, according to an exemplary embodiment. As depicted in FIG. 4B, when the smart card 400 is assembled, the non-visible information is sandwiched between the base layer 410 and the top layer 420.
  • FIG. 5A depicts another example of a product incorporating non- visible
  • FIG. 5A depicts a prize ticket 500, such as a lottery ticket, according to an exemplary embodiment.
  • the prize ticket 500 is printed on a base layer 510 having a front side 512 and a back side 514.
  • Non-visible information 520 such as variable magnetic code, is provided on one side of the base layer 510.
  • the non-visible information 520 may be provided on the front side 512 of the base layer 510.
  • the non-visible information 520 may be provided on the back side 514 of the base layer 510.
  • the non-visible information may be obscured by an obscuring layer 530.
  • the obscuring layer 530 may obscure a portion, but not all, of the front side 512 of the base layer 510. In this way, the remaining unobscured portion of the base layer 510 may serve other functions, such as aesthetic functions or identifying functions.
  • the non- visible information 520 integrated into a prize ticket 500 typically encodes identifying information related to the ticket, or to a prize that is redeemable using the ticket.
  • the non-visible information 530 may be read by a prize machine 540, as depicted in FIG. 5B.
  • a user may purchase a ticket 500 and insert the ticket 500 into a ticket slot 550 including a reader, such as a magnetic reader.
  • the reader may decode the information encoded by the non- visible information to determine either the identity of the ticket 500, or a prize granted by the ticket 500. If the non-visible
  • the prize machine 540 may consult a database to determine whether the ticket 500 having the encoded identification number grants a prize. Alternatively, the prize machine 540 may read prize information directly from the non-visible information. The prize machine 540 may display what prize, if any, is granted by the ticket 500 on a display 560.
  • the security document 600 depicted in FIG. 6 serves as the base layer on which non-visible information 610, such as variable magnetic code, may be printed.
  • the non-visible information 610 may be obscured by printing over the non- visible information 610 using one or more layers of opaque ink overprinting 620.
  • the opaque ink overprinting 620 may be any form of opaque ink capable of obscuring the non-visible information 610.
  • special-purpose security inks may be employed.
  • overprinting 620 may entirely obscure the non-visible information 610, or may partially obscure the non-visible information 610 so that the patterns embodied by the non-visible information 610 cannot be readily discerned or recreated.
  • a method for applying the non-visible information 610 and the opaque ink overprinting 620 is described in relation to FIGs. 7A-7D below.
  • FIG. 7A depicts a first step in producing a security document in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
  • the base layer 700 is provided.
  • the base layer 700 may be blank, so that a user can later add content to the security document, or may be pre-printed so that the base layer 700 provides a framework for the security document.
  • the base layer 700 may include boilerplate language with blank slots for party names.
  • the non- visible information 710 is applied to the base layer.
  • the non- visible information may be applied using any of a variety of means, including a printer, custom applicator, by hand, sprayed, or using templates.
  • layers of opaque ink overprinting 720, 730 are applied to obscure the non-visible information 710.
  • the layers of opaque ink overprinting 720, 730 may be provided using the same types of ink, or different types of ink.
  • the first layer of opaque ink overprinting 720 may be provided in a color that matches the color of the base layer 700
  • the second layer of opaque ink overprinting 730 may be provided in another color to match text provided on the base layer 700.
  • the product incorporating non-visible information may also be packaging for an asset. Such configurations may be useful for brand protection applications.
  • FIG. 8A depicts unassembled packaging 800 incorporating non-visible information according to an exemplary embodiment.
  • the unassembled packaging 800 includes an interior surface 802, which will be provided on the interior of the packaging, once assembled.
  • the unassembled packaging may include a number of surfaces, such as first flap 810.
  • Non-visible information 820 such as variable magnetic code, may be provided on any of the interior surfaces.
  • FIG. 8B depicts partially assembled packaging 830 incorporating non-visible information, according to an exemplary embodiment.
  • an asset may be placed in the packaging 830, and the asset may be, for example, a brand-name item.
  • the non-visible information 820 may encode brand information for the asset, such as the source or originator of the asset. By reading the non- visible information, a user may be able to determine that the asset contained in the packaging is genuine without having to open the packaging.
  • FIG. 8C depicts an alternative embodiment of the partially assembled packaging 830 with an additional obscuring layer 840.
  • the obscuring layer 840 is a thin material film.
  • FIG. 8D depicts the fully assembled packaging 850 in a sealed in-use condition. As shown in FIG. 8D, when the package is assembled, the non-visible information is obscured by the first flap 810, which serves as a base layer.
  • FIG. 9A depicts the front side of a label 900 having a base layer 910 that incorporates non-visible information 920, such as a variable magnetic code.
  • non-visible information 920 such as a variable magnetic code.
  • the label 900 may be attached to an asset, and the non-visible information 920 may uniquely identify the asset.
  • the non-visible information 920 identifies the asset using a tracking number, and the tracking number is associated with an entry in an asset-tracking database.
  • a user may retrieve the entry from the database based on the tracking number.
  • the non-visible information 920 may be read in a number of situations, such as when the asset is moved, and the database may be updated automatically.
  • the label 900 may be affixed to the asset using any means.
  • the back side 914 of the label 900 may be provided with a layer of adhesive 940.
  • the adhesive 940 may be applied over the non- visible information 930 directly on the base layer 910.
  • the adhesive is applied to an interior-facing back surface 914 of the label 900
  • FIG. 10A depicts a first step in producing a label incorporating non-visible information in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
  • the front of the label has been prepared, for example by printing information on the front side 1002 of the base layer 1000.
  • the back side 1004 of the base layer is then provided with non-visible information 1010, such as a variable magnetic code, as depicted in FIG. 10B.
  • the non-visible information 1010 may be applied, for example, using an applicator 1020, which may be, for example, a printer-head.
  • the adhesive 1030 may be any adhesive suitable for use with an affixed label, such as a glue, thermoplastic, bioadhesive, laminate, and UV-light curing adhesives, among others. Care should be taken to select an adhesive that does not interfere with the non- visible information encoded on the base layer. For example, if the base layer employs UV- sensitive coding, it may be inadvisable to use a UV-light curing adhesive.
  • the particular adhesive used may be selected based on the application. For example, if the label is to be attached to an animate object, a non-toxic adhesive may be selected.
  • the adhesive 1030 may be applied using any suitable means.
  • the adhesive is applied using a spray applicator 1040.
  • a spray applicator 1040 One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that other methods to apply adhesives may also be employed, such as dipping or brushing.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Credit Cards Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention porte sur des produits incorporant des informations non visibles pour l'identification de la source du produit, de l'identité du produit, ou de l'identité d'un élément auquel le produit est fixé ou pour lequel le produit sert d'emballage. Le produit comprend une couche de base sur laquelle des informations sont codées à l'aide d'un codage d'informations non visibles. Une couche obscurcissante peut être également prévue. La couche obscurcissante est séparée de la couche de base et obscurcit le codage d'informations non visibles à la vision. La couche obscurcissante peut être une face de carte, un film de matériau fin, une feuille en latex, une feuille, du vernis, ou de l'encre opaque imprimée sur le code magnétique variable. L'invention porte également sur un procédé d'incorporation d'informations non visibles dans un produit.
PCT/EP2010/000580 2010-02-01 2010-02-01 Procédé et appareil pour incorporation d'informations non visibles dans un produit WO2011091817A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2010/000580 WO2011091817A1 (fr) 2010-02-01 2010-02-01 Procédé et appareil pour incorporation d'informations non visibles dans un produit

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2010/000580 WO2011091817A1 (fr) 2010-02-01 2010-02-01 Procédé et appareil pour incorporation d'informations non visibles dans un produit

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WO2011091817A1 true WO2011091817A1 (fr) 2011-08-04

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3153994A4 (fr) * 2014-05-30 2018-02-28 Multidimension Technology Co., Ltd. Marque anti-contrefaçon magnétique et son système d'identification
RU2703163C1 (ru) * 2016-03-18 2019-10-15 Гизеке+Девриент Каренси Текнолоджи Гмбх Устройство и способ для оценки данных датчика для ценного документа

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4455039A (en) * 1979-10-16 1984-06-19 Coulter Systems Corporation Encoded security document
US4925215A (en) * 1989-06-12 1990-05-15 Action Drive-Thru Inc. Concealed magnetic indicia
FR2762545A1 (fr) * 1997-04-29 1998-10-30 Francois Charles Oberthur Fidu Document fiduciaire revetu d'impressions de securite
EP1719637A2 (fr) * 2005-05-06 2006-11-08 Canadian Bank Note Company, Ltd. Document de sécurité avec caractéristique d'authenticité UV
US7197174B1 (en) 1999-09-15 2007-03-27 Intel Corporation Magnetic ink encoding pen
EP1837193A1 (fr) * 2006-03-21 2007-09-26 JDS Uniphase Corporation Étiquette de protection avec une encre magnétique grattable rendant l'abus evident.

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4455039A (en) * 1979-10-16 1984-06-19 Coulter Systems Corporation Encoded security document
US4925215A (en) * 1989-06-12 1990-05-15 Action Drive-Thru Inc. Concealed magnetic indicia
FR2762545A1 (fr) * 1997-04-29 1998-10-30 Francois Charles Oberthur Fidu Document fiduciaire revetu d'impressions de securite
US7197174B1 (en) 1999-09-15 2007-03-27 Intel Corporation Magnetic ink encoding pen
EP1719637A2 (fr) * 2005-05-06 2006-11-08 Canadian Bank Note Company, Ltd. Document de sécurité avec caractéristique d'authenticité UV
EP1837193A1 (fr) * 2006-03-21 2007-09-26 JDS Uniphase Corporation Étiquette de protection avec une encre magnétique grattable rendant l'abus evident.

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3153994A4 (fr) * 2014-05-30 2018-02-28 Multidimension Technology Co., Ltd. Marque anti-contrefaçon magnétique et son système d'identification
RU2703163C1 (ru) * 2016-03-18 2019-10-15 Гизеке+Девриент Каренси Текнолоджи Гмбх Устройство и способ для оценки данных датчика для ценного документа

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