Method and apparatus for fractal identification

• US 8,720,790 B2
• Filed: 12/28/2011
• Issued: 05/13/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 10/06/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: AIC Innovations Group, Inc.
• Original Assignee: AI CURE Technologies Incorporated
• Inventors: Hanina, Adam
• Primary Examiner(s): HESS, DANIEL A
• Application Number:
  US13/338,602
• Publication Number:
  US 20130127959A1
• Time in Patent Office: 867 Days
• Field of Search: 235/494
• US Class Current: 235/494
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 1/121 by printing code marks applying code marks to labels B65C9/46; marking or coding completed packages B65B61/26
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/1408 the method being specifically adapted for the type of code
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 10/52 Scale-space analysis, e.g. wavelet analysis multi-scale boundary representations G06V10/42
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 20/66 Trinkets, e.g. shirt buttons or jewellery items recognising microscopic objects G06V20/69
• CPC Class Codes: G09C 1/00 Apparatus or methods whereby a given sequence of signs, e.g. an intelligible text, is transformed into an unintelligible sequence of signs by transposing the signs or groups of signs or by replacing them by others according to a predetermined system cryptographic typewriters G09C3/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/3278 using physically unclonable functions [PUF]

Abstract

A method and system for applying a fractal image to a plurality of objects to act as an identification label is provided. The system includes a conveyance mechanism for positioning the plurality of objects in a predetermined position, and a printer for printing a fractal pattern to the plurality of objects. Such a fractal image is robust to printing and imaging difficulties and inconsistencies, and is difficult to copy, thus defending against counterfeiting.

Claims

1. A system for reading an identifier from an object having a portion of a fractal image imparted thereon, comprising:

an imaging apparatus for imaging a portion of a fractal image from the object, the fractal image repeating in the direction of continuous travel of one or more objects through a printing location, at least the portion of the fractal image being printed to each of a plurality of objects, including the object, as the plurality of objects reach the printing location; and

a comparator for comparing one or more expected attributes of the imaged fractal image with one or more corresponding actual attributes of the imaged fractal image.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the expected characteristics of the fractal image are influenced by one or more of the object shape, color and texture.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein a high resolution imaging apparatus is employed to image a high resolution version of the fractal image.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein a counterfeit determination is made when a low number of the expected attributes of the imaged fractal image match actual attributes of the imaged fractal image.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein a notification is provided upon determination of a counterfeit.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein a match determination is made when a high number of the expected attributes of the imaged fractal image match actual attributes of the imaged fractal image.

7. The system of claim 6, further comprising an identification system for determining an identification of a user;

wherein the identification of the user is associated with the object identified in the match determination.

8. A method for providing an identifier to one or more objects, comprising the steps of:

providing the one or more objects to a printing location; and

printing a fractal image to the one or more objects;

wherein the one or more objects are provided in a continuous manner; and

wherein a fractal image that repeats in the direction of continuous travel of the one or more objects is printed to a number of the one or more object as they reach the printing location.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the one or more objects are provided in a batch sequence.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein a single fractal image is printed to each of the one or more objects in each batch substantially simultaneously.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein one or more parameters of the fractal image are modified in accordance with a batch identifier.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein the fractal image is printed with a higher resolution when a higher level of security is desired.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein the fractal image further comprises a combination of a plurality of fractal images.