UNIQUE LABEL FOR IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY SYSTEM

摘要

Unique labels for security or identification purposes, methods of making the labels and uses for the labels are described herein. The label is formed from one or more crystalline materials, optionally in combination with a non¬ crystalline material, or from a combination of polymers, and has a unique, detectable pattern. In one embodiment, the label is formed from a crystalline material, preferably a metallic material, which naturally contains a unique grain structure, with unique reflective properties. In a preferred embodiment, the label is formed of a metallic material that has been recrystallized to enlarge the size of the grains so that they are visible to the unaided human eye. In another embodiment, the label is formed from a combination of two or more polymers, which are mixed together at elevated temperatures and/or in solvents and form a unique pattern upon removal of the solvent and/or cooling. Optionally, the label contains an identifier in the form of words, numbers, or letters, or a combination thereof. The label can be placed on any item or document. Following manufacture of the label, it is imaged with a particular light source or combination of light sources at one or more imaging angles; the label is numbered; and data describing the image, angle data and number are stored, hi an alternative embodiment, the pattern may be discernable by applying a liquid or vapor to the surface. Preferably the data includes a stored image. In the preferred use of the label and security system, this information is only known by the end user of the identification system. To verify the authenticity of the labeled item, the label is imaged at the same angles as the stored data and compared to the stored image using pattern-recognition software.