Authentication method and system

摘要

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the production and labeling of objects in a manner suitable for the prevention and detection of counterfeiting. Thus, the system incorporates a variety of features that make unauthorized reproduction difficult. In addition, the present invention provides an efficient means for the production of labels and verification of authenticity, whereby a recording apparatus which includes a recording medium, having anisotrophic optical domains, along with a means for transferring a portion of the recording medium to a carrier, wherein a bulk portion of the recording medium has macroscopically detectable anisotrophic optical properties and the detecting apparatus thereon.

主权项

1. A method of authenticating an object, comprising:
providing an object having a surface having a plurality different types of elements, the plurality of different types of elements differing with respect to at least spectral characteristics, each element having a position defined by a random process resulting from a manufacturing tolerance; capturing at least two images of the surface, representing at least two spectral ranges, having a pixel resolution sufficiently high to capture positions of the elements to a precision greater than the manufacturing tolerance; and authenticating the object based on an analysis of the at least two images representing the at least two spectral ranges, the positions of the elements, and a selected one of at least two digital files, each respective file being generated from data acquired from the object at a time when authenticity is assured, the at least two digital files comprising: a first digital file physically associated with the object comprising a digital signature code representing a cryptographic digital hash of an authentic pattern dependent on the manufacturing tolerance, from which an authentic pattern dependent on the manufacturing tolerance cannot be ascertained, but the identity of the authentic pattern dependent on the manufacturing tolerance can be verified based on an analysis of the at least two images, wherein the verification of the identity of the authentic pattern is tolerant to a predefined variation between the authentic pattern dependent on the manufacturing tolerance and a pattern representing the manufacturing tolerance represented in the at least two images, and a second digital file stored in a database physically remote from the object and which stores a record of database access, at least one of the data files permitting a reliable authentication of the object even when there is a physical change in a portion of the positions of the elements.