Secure data protection optically variable labels and foils

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention, therefore, provide improved systems and methods for tracking targets in a simulation environment. A security device having a first layer that carries indicia arranged to present covert information. Embodiments of the invention may include a second layer that carries decoding optical elements. In some embodiments, the second layer is arranged to be moveable relative to the first layer from a first position to a second position. In some embodiments, when in the second position, the optical elements serve to cooperate with the indicia so as to reveal the covert information for visual observation.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]Optically variable diffractive devices such as holograms and optical interference based devices are now used to prove the authenticity of items of value and to prevent their fraudulent duplication for example for banknotes, plastic cards, value documents such as fiscal stamps, travel documents such as passports and for the authentication of valuable goods as an anti-counterfeit measure. Scratch off inks are used to protect hidden numbers which can be revealed by scratching off the ink—for example on lottery tickets for number protection and for protecting secure validation numbers on validation cards, such as pre-pay telephone cards. Scratch off diffractive and holographic hot stamping foil is also used in this type of application with the advantage that the holographic foil is hard to replicate or obtain and therefore protects the number from alteration or prior use and re-sale.[0002]This invention relates to an optically variable diffractive device...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0034]A particularly useful part of aspect seventeen is where the matched dot decoder pattern or overlay containing a matched but regular pattern is incorporated within the label structure itself as a top print on the removal carrier layer. So for example a holographic element containing visually apparent diffractive structures and also a hidden dot screen code together with its matched decoder can be delivered as a single composite label device for use by the end consumer or verifier forming a device with multi layers of verification—a visual layer carried by the effects in the diffractive image and an additional self verifying feature where the consumer has both encoded image and decoder delivered within a single structure and can remove the top carrier layer and use for interactive verification. So for example such a structure could be used for a scratch off label, also for a label structured as above but containing no scratch off element and used as a data protection or authentication label showing tamper evident where upon disruption the top carrier can be removed and in this case used additionally to verify the underlying screen encoded structures using the decoder screen printed or formed on all or part of the top structure. In these arrangements the dot screen or line screen decoder would be printed on the top layer of the earner structure by conventional print appearing as a light toning over all or part an area of the device. Upon removal of the top layer of the device by a consumer the carrier layer could be reversed and laid over the encoded areas of the hologram or demetallised pattern to visualize the dot screen encoded images hidden therein by a moire effect. Hidden Images using offset or split line hidden codes verified by line screen overlays are also possible. The top layer could also contain several different types of dot or line decod

Problems solved by technology

The combination of a diffractive security device with a scratch off underlying layer provides a considerable barrier to a counterfeiter to duplicate the di

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