SYSTEM FOR REGISTRATION, IDENTIFICATION, AND AUTHENTICATION OF ITEMS

摘要

A method and system for determining the authenticity of an item such as an original work of art (12) uses one or more unique patterns or features on the item, preferably at a microscopic level, as "signatures" of the item. Images of these unique signatures are recorded and stored electronically. The data are registered with identifying text and stored in a secure location (90). Following this registration an item presented as authentic can be examined at prescribed sites on the item where the originally stored signatures were taken. Composition can be made electronically or visually. The storage location (90) can be remote from local verification stations (10a), with data transferred by telephone or other communication lines (80).