Security threads: effective security devices in the past, present, and future

Gary R. Wolpert

doi:10.1117/12.462724

19 April 2002 Security threads: effective security devices in the past, present, and future

Gary R. Wolpert

Proceedings Volume 4677, Optical Security and Counterfeit Deterrence Techniques IV; (2002) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.462724
Event: Electronic Imaging, 2002, San Jose, California, United States

Abstract

Security threads were first used to secure banknotes in the mid 1800's. The key to their anti-counterfeiting success was the fact that by being embedded in the paper, they became an integral part of the banknote substrate. Today, all major currencies still utilize this effective security feature. Technological developments have allowed security threads to evolve from a feature authenticated by only visual means to devices that incorporate both visual and machine detectable components. When viewed from the perspective of a thread being a carrier of various security technologies and the fact that they can be incorporated into the core substrate of banknotes, documents, labels, packaging and some high valued articles, it is clear that security threads will remain as effective security devices well into the future. This paper discusses a brief historical background of security threads, current visual and machine authentication technologies incorporated into threads today and a look to the future of threads as effective security devices.

Citation Download Citation

Gary R. Wolpert "Security threads: effective security devices in the past, present, and future", Proc. SPIE 4677, Optical Security and Counterfeit Deterrence Techniques IV, (19 April 2002); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.462724

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