FLUORESCENCE AUTHENTICATION READER WITH COAXIAL OPTICS

摘要

A multiple-reader system for authentication of articles uses a first reader (400) which employs predetermined modulated illuminating light (20) and multiplicity of discriminating variables, such as wavelengths (110), amplitudes (120), and time delays (140) relative to the modulated illuminating light (20) to characterize fluorescent light (70) detected from fluorescent indicia on the articles. Additional readers (410 and 420), which may be readers of florescent marks and/or readers of other indicia, are synchronized with the fluorescence reader by timing signals. The discriminating features may be re-programmed by the user of the authentication system. Thus the discriminating features define a user-determined and programmable encryption of the articles' authentic identity. The outputs provided by individual readers (400, 410 and 420) are combined by a computer (85) programmed to produce the authentication result. The fluorescence authentication reader includes integration and synchronization of multiple readers (400, 410 and 420) of various types, an improved coaxial optics subsystem (450), which may include light guides (500, 510, 570, 580), and electronic circuitry with improved time-base stability, which cooperate in enhancing signal/noise ratio.