System for retrospective identification and method of marking articles for retrospective identification

• US 6,309,690 B1
• Filed: 04/01/1999
• Issued: 10/30/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 04/01/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Microtrace, Inc., Microtracs, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Microtrace, Inc.
• Inventors: Brogger, Brian, Kerns, William J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Beck, Shrive
• Assistant Examiner(s): JOLLEY, KIRSTEN
• Application Number:
  US09/283,174
• Time in Patent Office: 943 Days
• Field of Search: 427/7, 427/197, 427/202, 427/203, 427/256
• US Class Current: 427/7
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/15 with identification means that can be read by electronic means
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 45/02 Marking of balls
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/06009 with optically detectable marking G06K19/063, G06K19/08 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/06046 Constructional details
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/086 with markings consisting of randomly placed or oriented elements, the randomness of the elements being useable for generating a unique identifying signature of the record carrier, e.g. randomly placed magnetic fibers or magnetic particles in the body of a credit card
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 2019/06234 miniature-code
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/40 Authorisation, e.g. identification of payer or payee, verification of customer or shop credentials; Review and approval of payers, e.g. check credit lines or negative lists
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/08 by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means without personal verification means G07F7/02
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/12 Card verification
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 3/00 Labels, tag tickets, or similar identification or indication means medals or badges A44C3/00; making labels B31D1/02; sheets temporarily attached together B42F; labelling B65C; labels on record carriers G11B23/38, G11B23/40; Seals; Postage or like stamps

Abstract

A system and method using microcoded marks provides retrospective identification of articles. An article is marked with microparticles having multiple layers. The particles form a unique spatial pattern on the article. An image is made of the mark as applied to the article. The digitized image is stored in a database with information about the article. The database can be accessed by users to verify the authenticity of an article.

Claims

1. Method of marking an article for retrospective authentication, comprising the steps of simultaneously:

a) forming a unique mark including a set of microparticles, each said microparticle having two or more distinguishable layers with the sequence of the layers having an assigned meaning; and

b) applying the unique mark to an article to be authenticated, said mark being unique as a result of the pattern formed by the spatial relationship of said microparticles and said pattern being determined upon placement of said mark on the article.

2. A method of marking an article for retrospective authentication according to claim 1, wherein said layers are colored.

3. A method according to claim 1 wherein said microparticles have a thermochromic layer.

4. A method according to claim 1 wherein said microparticles have a photochromic layer.

5. A method of marking an article for retrospective authentication according to claim 1, wherein said mark is formed by applying liquid adhesive to the article, said adhesive having microparticles entrained therein, said microparticles forming a unique spatial pattern as said adhesive solidifies on the article.

6. A method of marking an article for retrospective authentication according to claim 5 wherein said adhesive is applied with a brush.

7. A method of marking an article for retrospective authentication according to claim 5 wherein said adhesive is applied with an eye dropper.

8. A method of marking an article for retrospective authentication according to claim 1 wherein said mark is formed by applying an ink to the article, said ink having microparticles entrained therein, said microparticles forming a spatial pattern after said ink is applied to said article as said ink dries.

9. A method according to claim 8 wherein said ink is applied to said article with a writing instrument.

10. A method according to claim 8 wherein said ink is applied to said article with a stamp.

11. A method according to claim 8 wherein said ink is thermochromic.

12. A method according to claim 8 wherein said ink is photochromic.

13. A method according to claim 1 wherein said microparticles are not discernable to the naked eye.

14. A method according to claim 13 wherein said microparticles have a layer of thermochromic material that is transparent within a first temperature range including the temperatures of 60-90 degrees Fahrenheit and are opaque within a second temperature range that excludes the temperatures within the first temperature range, and wherein the method includes the step of exposing said microparticle to a temperature within said second temperature range to reveal the layer'"'"'s color.

15. A method according to claim 13 wherein said microparticles have a layer of near-infra-red material that is transparent when exposed to light that is not ultra-violet and which flouresces when exposed to ultra-violet light, and wherein the method includes the step of exposing said microparticle to ultra-violet light.