US5704651A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Counterfeit resistant documents and methods
Assignee: Verify First Technologies Inc
•
Filing: 1995-05-25
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Granted: 1998-01-06
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Expires: 2015-05-25
Abstract
Abstract An original document includes alphanumeric characters defined by an overprinted reflective layer formed on a complex patterned region, and having graphic or font size, shape and type coordinated to the particular patterns in the patterned region. The coordination of the overprinted reflective layer with the patterned region is such that if the document is electronically scanned or duplicated by xerographic photocopying, the pattern will at least partially obscure the alphanumeric characters so that they can only be read with difficulty, thereby camouflaging the text.
Inventors
- 👤 George K. Phillips
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 12:09
CPC Classifications
B; B41; B41M; B41M3/00; B41M3/14; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S283/00; Y10S283/901; Y10S283/902
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
71 words
A counterfeit-resistant document, comprising: a substrate having a first printable surface; a camouflage background pattern printed on at least a portion of said first printable surface of said substrate; and an image on said first printable surface, said image overprinted on said camouflage background pattern, said image having different reflective characteristics than said camouflage background pattern, wherein said camouflage background pattern obscures said image at viewing angles employed by photocopy devices.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
71 words
A counterfeit-resistant document, comprising: a substrate having a first printable surface; a camouflage background pattern printed on at least a portion of said first printable surface of said substrate; and an image on said first printable surface, said image overprinted on said camouflage background pattern, said image having different reflective characteristics than said camouflage background pattern, wherein said camouflage background pattern obscures said image at viewing angles employed by photocopy devices.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The document of claim 1, wherein said camouflage background pattern is a complex asymmetrical pattern.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The document of claim 2, wherein the camouflage background pattern comprises portions colored in black alternating with white portions.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The document of claim 1, wherein said camouflage background pattern comprises randomly selected, overlapping kanji characters.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The document of claim 1, wherein said camouflage background pattern comprises randomly selected, overlapping numeric characters.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The document of claim 1, wherein said camouflage background pattern comprises alternating light and dark portions in a woven pattern.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
The document of claim 1, wherein said image is formed to define alphanumeric characters.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
The document of claim 7, wherein the image defines alphanumeric characters printed in an open font.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The document of claim 7, wherein the image defines alphanumeric characters printed in a closed font.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
The document of claim 7, wherein the size of the alphanumeric characters is selected to correspond to the camouflage background pattern.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
The document of claim 1, wherein said image has reflective properties different than said reflective properties of said camouflage background pattern.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
12 words
The document of claim 1, wherein said image is formed of chrome.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
118 words
A method of printing a counterfeit-resistant image on a substrate surface, comprising the steps of: printing a camouflage background pattern on a portion of a first printable surface of a substrate; and overprinting an image on said camouflage background pattern, said image having different reflective characteristics than said camouflage background pattern, said image may be printed on said camouflage background pattern in one of a variety of fonts or styles slected to correspond to said camouflage background pattern, the dimensions of said image are coordinated with said camouflage background pattern so that when said substrate is electronically scanned, the scanned image of said image is at least partially obscured by the scanned image of said camouflage background pattern.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
118 words
A method of printing a counterfeit-resistant image on a substrate surface, comprising the steps of: printing a camouflage background pattern on a portion of a first printable surface of a substrate; and overprinting an image on said camouflage background pattern, said image having different reflective characteristics than said camouflage background pattern, said image may be printed on said camouflage background pattern in one of a variety of fonts or styles slected to correspond to said camouflage background pattern, the dimensions of said image are coordinated with said camouflage background pattern so that when said substrate is electronically scanned, the scanned image of said image is at least partially obscured by the scanned image of said camouflage background pattern.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 13 wherein said camouflage background pattern consists of random, overlapping light-and-dark portions.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 14 wherein the light-and-dark portions are formed of randomly selected alphanumeric or kanji characters.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-01-05 | 2001-07-07 | 2002-01-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-01-05 | 2005-07-07 | 2006-01-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-01-05 | 2009-07-07 | 2010-01-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |