Application of unique surface coatings to high volume manufacturing output

Abstract

A photographic material for image display including an intimately sorbed contrast agent that provides a contrast layer against which the recorded image can be seen regardless of the nature and colour of the background.

1 . A micro particle comprising:
 a photographic material carrying the image of a primary identifier; and   a contrast layer, whereby the contrast layer is sorbed by the material and contrasts with the primary identifier.   
     
     
         2 . The micro particle of  claim 1 , wherein the contrast layer is formed from an aqueous dispersion containing any one of the following: TiO 2 , SiO 2 , ZnO, MgCO 3 , BaCO 3 , BaSO 4 , SnO 2  or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The micro particle of  claim 1 , wherein the contrast layer provides increased visibility via the addition of UV active luminescent agents or optical brighteners. 
     
     
         4 . The micro particle of  claim 1 , wherein, in use, said micro particle also comprises a secondary identifier such as its shape, colour, directly or as part of the micro particle or in conjunction with the primly identifier. 
     
     
         5 . The micro particle of  claim 1 , wherein the primary identifier is an alphanumeric code. 
     
     
         6 . The micro particle of  claim 2 , wherein the contrast layer provides increased visibility via the addition of LTV active luminescent agents or optical brighteners. 
     
     
         7 . The micro particle of  claim 2 , wherein, in use, said micro particle also comprises a secondary identifier such as its shape, colour, directly or as part of the micro particle or in conjunction with the primary identifier. 
     
     
         8 . The micro particle of  claim 3 , wherein, in use, said micro particle also comprises a secondary identifier such as its shape, colour, directly or as part of the micro particle or in conjunction with the primly identifier. 
     
     
         9 . The micro particle of  claim 2 , wherein the primary identifier is an alphanumeric code. 
     
     
         10 . The micro particle of  claim 3 , wherein the primary identifier is an alphanumeric code. 
     
     
         11 . The micro particle of  claim 4 , wherein the primary identifier is an alphanumeric code. 
     
     
         12 . A method of verifying the authenticity of an item, comprising the steps of:
 applying a plurality of the micro particles to an item, the micro particles carrying the image of a unique security marking and having a contrast layer thereon;   viewing the item containing the micro particle and comparing the code obtained with the corresponding unique security marking to verify its authenticity or otherwise.