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Article vending machine and method for authenticating received articles

  • US 8,538,581 B2
  • Filed: 09/03/2010
  • Issued: 09/17/2013
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/03/2010
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An article rental machine for authenticating a returned article comprising a machine-readable authentication code forming a first layer on a surface of the returned article, and a second layer substantially opaque in visible light and at least partially overlaying the authentication code, the article rental machine comprising:

  • a receptacle for receiving the returned article;

    an infrared light source configured to illuminate the surface of the returned article with electromagnetic radiation in an infrared spectrum;

    an article sensor in communication with the infrared light source, wherein the article sensor detects a presence of the returned article and causes the infrared light source to illuminate;

    an image capture device configured to capture a digital image of the authentication code while the surface of the returned article is illuminated, wherein the authentication code is comprised of a carbon-containing ink visible in the infrared spectrum, and the second layer is comprised of a substantially carbon-free ink; and

    a processor in communication with the image capture device, wherein the processor is configured to identify the authentication code from the digital image and to compare the authentication code to a master authentication code.

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