A media handler for detecting counterfeit media is described. The media handler comprises: a plurality of discrete sensors distributed along a transport path operable to transport a media item, and a controller operable to receive signals from the plurality of discrete sensors. The controller is also operable to make a decision on validity of the transported media item based on the received signals.

An article comprising a substrate which carries a material of formula (I)
M.sup.1.sub.aM.sup.2.sub.bW.sub.cO.sub.d(P(O).sub.nR.sub.m).sub.e (I)
wherein each of M.sup.1 and M.sup.2 is independently ammonium or a metal cation; a is 0.01 to 0.5; b is 0 to 0.5; c is 1; d is 2.5 to 3; e is 0.01 to 0.75; n is 1, 2 or 3; m is 1, 2 or 3; and R is an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl group.

An article comprising a substrate which carries a material of formula (I)

M.sup.1.sub.aM.sup.2.sub.bW.sub.cO.sub.d(P(O).sub.nR.sub.m).sub.e (I)

wherein each of M.sup.1 and M.sup.2 is independently ammonium or a metal cation; a is 0.01 to 0.5; b is 0 to 0.5; c is 1; d is 2.5 to 3; e is 0.01 to 0.75; n is 1, 2 or 3; m is 1, 2 or 3; and R is an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl group.

A method for automated authentication of a security label comprises capturing a first image of the security label under a first lighting condition and capturing at least a second image of the security label under a second lighting condition. Further, the first image and the second image are verified to check whether the first image and the second image meet pre-defined expectation under the first lighting condition and the second lighting condition respectively. Authenticity of the security label is confirmed by the processor if the expectation is met.

A method for automated authentication of a security label comprises capturing a first image of the security label under a first lighting condition and capturing at least a second image of the security label under a second lighting condition. Further, the first image and the second image are verified to check whether the first image and the second image meet pre-defined expectation under the first lighting condition and the second lighting condition respectively. Authenticity of the security label is confirmed by the processor if the expectation is met.

The invention relates to a security element applied onto printing substrates (bank notes, securities, product packagings, identity cards/labels or other similar documents) by printing, comprising a unique identifier as primary information visible to the naked eye and secondary information protecting against copying non-visible to the naked eye. The unique identifier is typically a point code. Said secondary information is represented by a structure with the largest dimension of 2 to 40 microns, and due to printing distortions arising when the security element is applied onto a printing substrate, said secondary information is non-reconstructable from the print of the security element and a statistically analyzable inherent feature is associated to it. The invention also relates to a printed matter with such an inventive security element and to a method to check authenticity of a printed matter with the inventive security element in visible light (380-750 nm).

Systems, methods and technology for authenticating multi-layered objects using encoded signals such as digital watermarking. In one implementation, a value document includes a substrate and a removable overlayer, with a security feature comprising a digital watermark signal printed to cover portions of both the substrate and overlayer. The digital watermark signal includes spatially arranged signal elements forming a frame of reference. Tampering is detected by evaluating offset values associated with the signal elements, where misalignment within the frame of reference indicates tampering. In some implementations, the value document includes a first digital watermark on the substrate with synchronization and payload components, a token with a second digital watermark, and a removable sticker with a third digital watermark. Additional security features include split-mark configurations, tamper mark configurations, holographic foils with overprinted digital watermarks, and fragile tamper-deterrent features that deform upon tampering attempts, causing detectable signal distortion. Other combinations are also provided.

A system and associated methods for authenticating an item including a substrate, the system including a phosphorescent material disposed on or in the substrate and capable of emitting radiation upon excitation by ambient electromagnetic radiation, and a photoauthentication device capable of being disposed in contact with the substrate, the photoauthentication device including a camera configured to detect or measure the emitted radiation, where, in connection with detecting or measuring the emitted radiation, the photoauthentication device is in static contact with the substrate and the camera is disposed over a portion of the phosphorescent material emitting the emitted radiation.