First-order authentication system
US6470093B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 28, 2001 |
| Grant date | Oct 22, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 28, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07D7/12
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system (10) is provided for performing first order authentication of articles marked with indicia (30) discernible in visible, ultraviolet, or infrared light or tagged with UV- or IR-sensitive chemicals. The first-order authentication system provides reliable visual authentication by providing for juxtaposition of the article-under-test (20) with a known reference-standard sample-specimen (90, 100, or 300), while the article-under-test (20) is illuminated by a suitable source (65 or 250) of radiation in the visible, ultraviolet, or infrared portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Thus, the system (10) facilitates comparison to differentiate a genuine article from a counterfeit article with first-order accuracy but at a substantially lower cost than that of automated authentication systems. Additionally, the system can be used in both portable and desk top embodiments. The system preferably has optional interchangeable holders (140 or 400) for various articles-under-test as well as an optional interchangeable holder (115) for various reference-standard sample-specimens. Some embodiments utilize structures incorporating split-image optics (200), superposed-image optics, and/or a …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.