Patent · US Active

Unique identification of coin or other object

US9922486B2 · kind B2 · utility

2Cited by
16References
18Claims
0Family size

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Key dates

Filing dateApr 30, 2013
Grant dateMar 20, 2018
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 30, 2033

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG07D7/12
  • WIPO fieldControl
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A method of producing an authenticatable article. An overt feature is produced in the article using a fabricating technique which is selected based on a material of the article so as to produce the overt feature having predetermined, reproducible macroscopic characteristics as well as random, non-reproducible microscopic characteristics rendering the article physically unique. The overt feature including the microscopic characteristics are imageable using a predetermined imaging technology to produce an overt feature image. An authentication signature is generated based on the overt feature image and stored in a central database. The overt feature may alternatively be produced in an apparatus or means used to manufacture authenticatable articles such that the overt feature including the random, microscopic characteristics is reproduced in the articles. The overt feature and generated authentication code therefore corresponds to articles manufactured using that apparatus or means.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.