Luminescence Acquires InData Invisible Barcode Reading Technology

Luminescence Sun Chemical Security (LSCS) has acquired InData System’s (InData) patented invisible barcode reading technology, which consists of dedicated readers that verify and decode ‘invisible’ (fluorescing) codes.

Under the agreement, ownership of the full range of InData’s code scanning systems, actively in use at over 70 customer sites, has been transferred to LSCS. LSCS will continue to serve the existing client base and actively market the technology through its worldwide sales network.

The dedicated readers for invisible barcodes were first introduced by InData in the early 2000s and were continually innovated as new technologies became available. Current applications include reading invisible barcodes for brand protection, product diversion tracking, and tax stamps for beer, wine, spirits, and cigarettes. The devices can read a variety of UV, IR fluorescence and tailor-made taggant codes. LSCS offers security inks for all of these applications.

The key benefit of invisible codes is that they can be integrated into any design without impacting appearance. In the case of tax stamps, in particular, they can be printed ‘underneath’ a visible barcode, offering revenue authorities two strings of data for authentication and communication, while taking up a minimal amount of space.

Gary Silver, Managing Director at LSCS, commented: ‘we have worked together with InData Systems for more than 10 years and have always been keen to add barcode reading technologies to our product portfolio. Together with our bespoke security inks, this enables us to offer a ‘lock and key’ solution to our customers. We will continue to further develop the readers as new technologies or applications become available’.