The Standard Register Company

Robert L Neitman

William H Mowry, Jr

William J Castle

An optically variable device for use on security documents to deter unauthorized reproduction is provided which contains a warning message that is not readily apparent to an observer but that reproduces as a visible warning message when copied. The device comprises a pattern of light reflecting surfaces which comprise a reflection diffraction grating having a plurality of grooves that vary in orientation and blaze angle. In an alternative embodiment, a machine-readable optically variable device is provided in which the pattern of specularly light-reflecting surfaces produces a machine-readable message in response to light impinging on the device.

Optically variable and machine-readable device for use on security

A security, information document for providing information to a reader from an information source organization includes a document substrate having a first area in which a half-tone warning image is printed, indicating that a copy of the document is an unauthorized document. A half-tone background image is printed in a second area on the substrate, with the second area surrounding the first area. A camouflage image extends over the document substrate for confusing the eye of an observer such that the warning image is not readily observed. One of the half-tone warning image and the half-tone background image is printed with a half-tone screen of such a line spacing that it is not readily reproducible by a copier. The camouflage image may contain an identification of the source of the information.

Growing community of inventors

Kettering, OH, United States of America

Robert L Neitman