Fluorescence authentication reader with coaxial optics
First Claim
1. An authentication system, comprisinga) a first reader adapted to read first indicia printed with a substance that fluoresces when illuminated with ultraviolet light, said first reader having a first output,(b) a second reader adapted to read second indicia, said second reader having a second output, and(c) a computer adapted by being programmed to receive said first and second outputs respectively from said first and second readers, to decode said first and second indicia, and to produce an authentication result depending on whether or not said indicia agree with predetermined indicia codes.
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Abstract
A multiple-reader system for authentication of articles uses a first reader (400) which employs predetermined modulated illuminating light (20) and a 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. The fluorescent indicia may also incorporate spatial distributions such as bar codes as discriminating features. Additional readers (410 and 420), which may be readers of fluorescent 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 of various types, an improved coaxial optics subsystem (450), and electronic circuitry with improved time-base stability, which cooperate in enhancing signal/noise ratio. The resultant stable triggering of the authentication output of the individual fluorescence reader, combined with time synchronization of the individual fluorescence reader with other readers, provides a reliable integrated multi-reader authentication system.
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Citations
9 Claims
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1. An authentication system, comprising
a) a first reader adapted to read first indicia printed with a substance that fluoresces when illuminated with ultraviolet light, said first reader having a first output, (b) a second reader adapted to read second indicia, said second reader having a second output, and (c) a computer adapted by being programmed to receive said first and second outputs respectively from said first and second readers, to decode said first and second indicia, and to produce an authentication result depending on whether or not said indicia agree with predetermined indicia codes.
Specification