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Xerox Develops New Way to Print Invisible Ink

Posted by samzenpus on from the the-fax-says-I'm-the-boss-now dept.

scott3778 writes "Xerox said on Wednesday that its scientists have perfected a new method for printing hidden fluorescent wording using standard digital printing equipment. According to the company, the discovery paves the way for customers and businesses alike to add an additional layer of security to commonly printed materials such as checks, tickets, coupons, and other high-value documents. The hidden fluorescent words and letters show up only under ultraviolet light, said Reiner Eschbach, a research fellow in the Xerox Innovation Group, and the co-inventor of the patented process. What's more, the method for printing them doesn't require the use of special fluorescent inks."

6 of 87 comments (clear)

  1. So what's new? by Threni · · Score: 5, Informative

    http://www.eff.org/news/archives/2005_10.php#00406 3

    Xerox (and the rest) have been hiding identifying marks in *our* printouts for ages now. It's a good job there's nothing to fear from our democratically elected governments who fight evil and oppression around the world.

  2. Damned portable blacklights! by adam.dorsey · · Score: 5, Insightful

    FTA:
    Xerox expects that over time, the technology will be used in personalized checks that will have the account holder's signature printed in a fluorescent stripe.

    "A merchant could easily compare the fluorescent signature with the actual one to validate the check," said Eschbach.

    Yeah, so someone gets one of these, what then?

    That's even worse, cause normally someone doesn't have the signature of the account holder if they were to steal/find a check. This will actually give them that, and make the check appear that much more authentic when used ("What do you mean, check fraud? That's your signature, isn't it?").

    --
    You are still innocent until proven guilty. What's changed is what they do to innocent people. - notnAP, #26891325
  3. Tech Issues by abscissa · · Score: 5, Funny

    How do you tell when you're out of invisible ink?

  4. Re:Have any idea how expensive invisible ink will by Opportunist · · Score: 5, Funny

    As long as they accept my invisible credit card, I'm fine.

    --
    We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.
  5. Simple by Overzeetop · · Score: 5, Funny

    Stuff starts showing up on your printouts!

    --
    Is it just my observation, or are there way too many stupid people in the world?
  6. Re:Miraculous by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Actually, it works like this:

    Step 1:
    Step 2:
    Step 3:
    Step 4: Profit!!!