| 摘要 |
A scanner (200) is arranged to detect a unique spectral signature acquired from a sample (230) coded with a security marker (700) made up from one or more overt or covert coloured features (704a-704b) having known and uniquely identifiable spectral characteristics. More particularly, a narrowband light source (218), operating in the middle/near ultraviolet to short/near infra-red wavelength ranges, pulses light onto the security marker fixed to or formed in the sample (230). A lens system (222, 216) collects spectral data for analysis by a processing engine (201), such as a smartphone. The light source (218), which may be an array of differently coloured LEDs (224), selectively illuminates the security marker with discrete wavelengths as LEDs are selectively energized. The coloured features (704a-704d) are realized by combinations of dyes, pigments or inks that may fluoresce that are difficult to replicate and therefore typically pantone-based. The coloured features each have unique spectral responses, i.e. spectral characteristics, in the presence of incident EM radiation, so coding a bona fide product with a security marker made up from pre-selected coloured features producing the unique signature allows validation of the product. Specifically, by using the scanner and executing analysis code, the processing engine (201) is configured to make a quick comparison of the spectral peak and trough data acquired from the security marker against stored reference spectral signature corresponding to the marker on the product and to provide an indication (or not) of correspondence. |
