Identifying original and copy using ultraviolet light to reveal hidden security printing features

A method comprising:

• determining a minimum scanner resolution of a scanner;
• setting a first spacing interval at or above the minimum scanner resolution;
• establishing a first pattern and a second pattern, wherein the first pattern and the second pattern include relatively lighter markings within a relatively darker background, wherein the relatively lighter markings are established to appear at the first spacing interval, wherein the first pattern is established to differ from the second pattern by having non-printing patches between the relatively lighter markings, wherein the second pattern is established to not include the non-printing patches, and wherein the non-printing patches are the same size as the relatively lighter markings;
• adding the first pattern and the second pattern to a document;
• and
• printing the document as an original on print media using a printer,
• wherein, when the original is scanned to produce a scanned image using the scanner, the scanning causes the scanned image to distinguish the relatively lighter markings and the non-printing patches from the relatively darker background,
• wherein, when the scanned image is printed on the print media to produce a copy of the original using a printer, the copy maintains distinct markings at locations corresponding to where the relatively lighter markings and the non-printing patches appear in the original, and
• wherein, when the original and the copy are exposed to ultraviolet light, the print media fluoresces the ultraviolet light in locations where the non-printing patches are located.

A system comprising:

• a processor;
• a printer operatively connected to the processor;
• and
• a scanner configured to scan sheets output by the printer,
• wherein the scanner has a minimum scanner resolution,
• wherein the processor is configured to control the printer to print an original by printing a first pattern within a second pattern on print media,
• wherein the first pattern and the second pattern include relatively lighter markings within a relatively darker background,
• wherein the relatively lighter markings occur at a first spacing interval that is at or above the minimum scanner resolution,
• wherein the first pattern differs from the second pattern by including non-printing patches between the relatively lighter markings,
• wherein the non-printing patches are not included in the second pattern,
• wherein, when the original is scanned to produce a scanned image using the scanner, the scanning causes the scanned image to distinguish the relatively lighter markings and the non-printing patches from the relatively darker background,
• wherein, when the scanned image is printed on the print media to produce a copy of the original using a printer, the copy maintains distinct markings at locations corresponding to where the relatively lighter markings and the non-printing patches appear in the original, and
• wherein, when the original and the copy are exposed to ultraviolet light, the print media fluoresces the ultraviolet light in locations where the non-printing patches are located.