CA2099622C - Authentication system - Google Patents
Authentication systemInfo
- Publication number
- CA2099622C CA2099622C CA002099622A CA2099622A CA2099622C CA 2099622 C CA2099622 C CA 2099622C CA 002099622 A CA002099622 A CA 002099622A CA 2099622 A CA2099622 A CA 2099622A CA 2099622 C CA2099622 C CA 2099622C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- article
- image
- unique code
- code number
- bearing medium
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000010408 film Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 239000010409 thin film Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 9
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 5
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000004820 Pressure-sensitive adhesive Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000032798 delamination Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 241000288673 Chiroptera Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
- G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
- G06K19/06—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
- G06K19/08—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code using markings of different kinds or more than one marking of the same kind in the same record carrier, e.g. one marking being sensed by optical and the other by magnetic means
- G06K19/10—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code using markings of different kinds or more than one marking of the same kind in the same record carrier, e.g. one marking being sensed by optical and the other by magnetic means at least one kind of marking being used for authentication, e.g. of credit or identity cards
- G06K19/16—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code using markings of different kinds or more than one marking of the same kind in the same record carrier, e.g. one marking being sensed by optical and the other by magnetic means at least one kind of marking being used for authentication, e.g. of credit or identity cards the marking being a hologram or diffraction grating
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F3/00—Labels, tag tickets, or similar identification or indication means; Seals; Postage or like stamps
- G09F3/02—Forms or constructions
- G09F3/0291—Labels or tickets undergoing a change under particular conditions, e.g. heat, radiation, passage of time
- G09F3/0292—Labels or tickets undergoing a change under particular conditions, e.g. heat, radiation, passage of time tamper indicating labels
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03H—HOLOGRAPHIC PROCESSES OR APPARATUS
- G03H1/00—Holographic processes or apparatus using light, infrared or ultraviolet waves for obtaining holograms or for obtaining an image from them; Details peculiar thereto
- G03H1/0005—Adaptation of holography to specific applications
- G03H1/0011—Adaptation of holography to specific applications for security or authentication
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03H—HOLOGRAPHIC PROCESSES OR APPARATUS
- G03H1/00—Holographic processes or apparatus using light, infrared or ultraviolet waves for obtaining holograms or for obtaining an image from them; Details peculiar thereto
- G03H1/0005—Adaptation of holography to specific applications
- G03H2001/0055—Adaptation of holography to specific applications in advertising or decorative art
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03H—HOLOGRAPHIC PROCESSES OR APPARATUS
- G03H2210/00—Object characteristics
- G03H2210/50—Nature of the object
- G03H2210/54—For individualisation of product
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03H—HOLOGRAPHIC PROCESSES OR APPARATUS
- G03H2250/00—Laminate comprising a hologram layer
- G03H2250/35—Adhesive layer
Abstract
An authentication system, method and article for memorabilia and other forms of articles wherein a hologram is affixed to the article with a tamper-proof adhesive. The hologram has thereon a unique code number. A certificate of authenticity is provided with the article and it includes a like or different hologram, but with a matching unique code number. A
master record or list of the unique code number and related article to which the code number applies is maintained by an entity which also provides a registration "hotline." A purchaser of the article can register that article, and at any item in the future when the article is sold or otherwise transferred, its authenticity can be verified through the registration hotline.
master record or list of the unique code number and related article to which the code number applies is maintained by an entity which also provides a registration "hotline." A purchaser of the article can register that article, and at any item in the future when the article is sold or otherwise transferred, its authenticity can be verified through the registration hotline.
Description
-AUTHENTICATION SYSTEM
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention The present lnvention relates to authentication systems, and more particularly to authentication systems and methods for articles, such as memorabilia.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention The present lnvention relates to authentication systems, and more particularly to authentication systems and methods for articles, such as memorabilia.
2. Description of the Prior Art There is a substantial rnarket in and for rnemorabilia and other articles, such as autographed sports items like baseballs, footballs, ierseys, and other articles.
Unfortunately, it is all too easy to counterfelt such articles. For example, the signature of a famous baseball player on a baseball can be duplicated and repllcated on other baseballs, and it is very difficult if not virtually lmpossible to determine whether the subsequent article is genuine or not. A systern or rnethod whereby the authenticity of an article such as this could be easlly verified would be useful but is not available today.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, in one broad aspect, the invention resides in an authentication systern for an article comprising:
a. an article for which authentication is desired;
20q9~22 b. a first lmage-bearlng medium afflxed to the article with an adhesive to be tarnper proof, the medium having imprinted thereon a unique code number;
c. a certificate of authenticity for the article, and including thereon a second image-bearing medium with an identical unique code nurnber; and d. a list of unlque code numbers wlth a statement of the respective product to which each unique code nurnber applies.
In a further broad aspect, the inventlon resldes ln an authentication method for an article cornprising the steps of a. providing an article for which authentication is deslred;
b. affixing to the artlcle a first irnage-bearing medium with an adhesive so as to be tamper proof;
c. providing on the first irnage-bearing rnedium a unique code number;
d. providing a certificate of authenticity for the article and including thereon a second image-bearing medium with an identical unique code number; and e. providing a list of unique code numbers with a statement of the respective products to which each of the unlque code numbers apply, and providing in the list the unique code number for the article and a brief description of that article.
20~622 2a Briefly, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an article is provided with an irnage-bearlng medium which is affixed to the article with an adhesive so as to be tamper proof, and the rnedium having thereon a unique code number. Accompanying the article is a certificate of authenticity with a like or different image-bearing medium but with a matching code number. A master record or list of the unique code nul-nber and related article to which the code number applies is maintained by an entity which also provides a registration "hotline". The customer who purchases khe article can register the same by mail or telephone with the entity and, at any time in the future when the article is sold or otherwise transferred, its authenticity can be verified through the registration hotline.
~' ;
2~39622 DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood through a consideration of the following description taken on conjunction with the drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a drawing of an exemplary memorabilia item comprising a baseball having an authentication hologram and unique code number thereon according to the present invention.
Figures 2 and 3 show an exemplary certificate of authenticity for the item of Figure l; and Figure 4 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of the invention.
Turning now to the drawings, an exemplary memorabilia item in the form of a conventional baseball 10 is illustrated in Figure 1. The baseball in this example has an autograph 12 thereon, such as the autograph of a famous baseball player. The entity which maintains the registration hotline, such as the assignee of the present application, The Upper Deck Company, preferably will have the article, the baseball in this instance, signed in the presence of an employee of that entity as a witness and so that the article, the person signing and a unique code number for the article can be witnessed and entered into the entity's records.
A hologram 14 featuring a form of holographic image, trademark, logo or the like 15 is affixed with a conventional adhesive to the baseball 10 so as to be tamper proof. Furthermore, a unique product code number 16 (e.g., 18739 as shown, or an alpha numeric number) is imprinted on the hologram in a conventional manner.
Through the use of a tamper proof hologram, the hologram 2~99~22 14 cannot be removed or copied without at least partially destroying the hologram. These tamper proof holograms are well known and comprise a hologram on a substrate with an overlying clear film. The hologram cannot be identically replicated, and the code number is printed on the surface of the film so that attempted removal of the hologram will result in removal of the film. The code number is unique and is not used again for another article.
A certificate of authenticity 20 as shown in Figures 2 and 3 having front and back sides 21 and 22 accompanies the memorabilia article, the baseball 10 in this instance. This certificate on one side 21 bears a 15 hologram 24 with an image, logo or the like 25 which may be identical to or different from the image 15 of the hologram 14 on the ball 10 and which also is tamper proof. However the hologram 24 bears an identical product code number 26 (e.g., 18739) to that on the 20 hologram 14 of the baseball 10. Preferably, the hologram 14 and 24 have a similar shape. Every memorabilia article has a different unique code number (even if these articles comprise identical baseballs with original signatures of the same star). The front 25 side 21 preferably has a suitable statement 23 about the authenticity of the article. The back side 22 of the certificate of authenticity can have any suitable identification, wording, logo or the like, such as that shown.
The memorabilia article and certificate are packed together, in this case the baseball 10 and certificate 20. Further, the product code number (e.g., 18739) is recorded at the registration entity, in this instance, 35 for example, as "Baseball, hand-signed by Reggie Jackson in September 1992. " The product comprising the baseball 10 and certificate 20 then is shipped to the customer.
The customer, John Doe, can contact the registration hotline by mail or telephone (preferably an 800 number) to register the ball code number in the name of the customer. Subsequently, if that customer decides to sell the ball to another party, that other party can telephone or write to the registration hotline to confirm what item No. 18739 is and its authenticity.
Then the registration hotline operator checks the listing or database of numbers and memorabilia items and confirms that item No. 18739 is a "Baseball, hand-signed by Reggie Jackson in September 1992."
Figure 4 is a simplified flow diagram illustrating the memorabilia item 10 in the form of a baseball signed by Mickey Mantle and with a hologram 14 with a unique code number UDA12345. This Figure also illustrates the associated certificate of authenticity 20 bearing a like or different hologram 24 but with an identical code number UDA12345. Such code numbers could also take the form of alphabetical code symbols, Roman numerals or other abstract symbols. Furthermore, this Figure illustrates the database or list of code numbers and the identity or descriptions of the associated item as illustrated at database 30 on a computer display. As described above, the customer or owner 31 upon purchasing the memorabilia item 10 may at any time check the authenticity of a memorabilia item 10 via the database or list 30 at the hotline.
Accordingly, the present system and method provides articles with a hologram and unique number, along with a certificate bearing a hologram and like unique number, to enable a customer to verify the authenticity of the article in a simple and efficient manner.
Although the preferred embodiment of the invention described above used a security device in the form of a hologram, a variety of equally useful, alternative security devices could readily be adapted for use in connection with the present invention. For example, rather than using an image-bearing medium in the form of a hologram, one could use other forms of image-bearing media including either mechanically or optically generated diffraction gratings which can be fabricated to include various two dimensional patterns, images or forms.
Depending on the degree of security required, other less secure forms of image-bearing media could function equally well with the present invention. For example, a specially created, unique, art work image created by any optical or mechanical means, whether embodying light diffractive characteristics or not, may in certain applications provide a suitable, although lower level of security which may be adequate in certain applications for lower priced goods. For optimum security, an image-bearing media capable of diffracting light such as diffraction gratings or holograms, will always provide the highest level of security and will typically be used in connection with high value items for which the authentication system of the present invention was primarily designed.
Existing products incorporating light diffracting media such as diffraction gratings and holograms are commercially available in the form of either multi-layer hot stamping foils or pressure sensitive composite materials. The hot stamping foils include a heat-activated adhesive for bonding the appropriate layer of the hot stamping foil to the exposed surface of the item to be authenticated. The pressure sensitive materials include a pressure sensitive adhesive for permanently bonding the material to a substrate. The pressure sensitive adhesive is covered by release paper prior to application.
The term "tamper proof" when used in connection with the image-bearing media of the present invention is defined to mean a medium having an image which will either be damaged or destroyed in response to attempted tampering, alteration or removal. Such damage frequently takes the form of delamination of the vacuum deposited reflective metal layer typically forming a part of pressure sensitive materials or of hot stamping foils which include images formed by diffractive patterns or, alternatively, damage in the form of delamination of the film or thermoplastic layers from the adhesive coated carrier backing in response to attempts to remove the image-bearing media from the surface to which it is bonded.
Although the items to be authenticated have been described in terms of basketballs, baseballs, baseball bats and gloves, the authentication system of the present system is equally well adapted for use in connection with the authentication of sports apparel including football or hockey helmets or fabric materials including jerseys, jackets, coats, uniforms and related materials.
When an image-bearing medium according to the present invention is affixed to a fabric material, it will typically be permanently affixed to such material by a heat-activated adhesive or an equivalent material such that attempted removal of the authenticating image-bearing medium will result either in destruction of the underlying fabric material, destruction of the image-bearing media itself or destruction of both elements.
As shown and described in connection with FIG. 2, in one embodiment of the authentication system of the present invention, the unique code number can be imprinted directly on the image-bearing media. In another embodiment of the invention, the unique code number, rather than being imprinted directly onto the image-bearing medium as illustrated in FIG. 2, could equally well be imprinted on the certificate in proximity to, but offset from, the image-bearing media.
In another embodiment of the invention, the image-bearing medium affixed to the article to be authenticated could be entirely different in form and appearance from the image-bearing medium affixed to the certificate of authenticity. For example, a hologram having a first image could serve as the image-bearing medium for the article to be authenticated while a two-dimensional diffraction grating depicting an entirely different image could be affixed to the certificate of authenticity. The serial number of both image-bearing media would be identical.
One particular method of implementing the necessary tamper proof aspect of the present invention is to utilize an adhesive which permanently bonds the image-bearing medium to the item to be authenticated or to the certificate of authenticity. The permanency of the bond is achieved by using an adhesive having a shear strength which exceeds the shear strength of the image-bearing medium.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the authentication system of the present invention may be modified in numerous ways and may assume many embodiments other than the preferred forms specifically set out and described above. Accordingly, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications of the invention which fall within the broad scope of the invention disclosed above.
Unfortunately, it is all too easy to counterfelt such articles. For example, the signature of a famous baseball player on a baseball can be duplicated and repllcated on other baseballs, and it is very difficult if not virtually lmpossible to determine whether the subsequent article is genuine or not. A systern or rnethod whereby the authenticity of an article such as this could be easlly verified would be useful but is not available today.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, in one broad aspect, the invention resides in an authentication systern for an article comprising:
a. an article for which authentication is desired;
20q9~22 b. a first lmage-bearlng medium afflxed to the article with an adhesive to be tarnper proof, the medium having imprinted thereon a unique code number;
c. a certificate of authenticity for the article, and including thereon a second image-bearing medium with an identical unique code nurnber; and d. a list of unlque code numbers wlth a statement of the respective product to which each unique code nurnber applies.
In a further broad aspect, the inventlon resldes ln an authentication method for an article cornprising the steps of a. providing an article for which authentication is deslred;
b. affixing to the artlcle a first irnage-bearing medium with an adhesive so as to be tamper proof;
c. providing on the first irnage-bearing rnedium a unique code number;
d. providing a certificate of authenticity for the article and including thereon a second image-bearing medium with an identical unique code number; and e. providing a list of unique code numbers with a statement of the respective products to which each of the unlque code numbers apply, and providing in the list the unique code number for the article and a brief description of that article.
20~622 2a Briefly, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an article is provided with an irnage-bearlng medium which is affixed to the article with an adhesive so as to be tamper proof, and the rnedium having thereon a unique code number. Accompanying the article is a certificate of authenticity with a like or different image-bearing medium but with a matching code number. A master record or list of the unique code nul-nber and related article to which the code number applies is maintained by an entity which also provides a registration "hotline". The customer who purchases khe article can register the same by mail or telephone with the entity and, at any time in the future when the article is sold or otherwise transferred, its authenticity can be verified through the registration hotline.
~' ;
2~39622 DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood through a consideration of the following description taken on conjunction with the drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a drawing of an exemplary memorabilia item comprising a baseball having an authentication hologram and unique code number thereon according to the present invention.
Figures 2 and 3 show an exemplary certificate of authenticity for the item of Figure l; and Figure 4 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of the invention.
Turning now to the drawings, an exemplary memorabilia item in the form of a conventional baseball 10 is illustrated in Figure 1. The baseball in this example has an autograph 12 thereon, such as the autograph of a famous baseball player. The entity which maintains the registration hotline, such as the assignee of the present application, The Upper Deck Company, preferably will have the article, the baseball in this instance, signed in the presence of an employee of that entity as a witness and so that the article, the person signing and a unique code number for the article can be witnessed and entered into the entity's records.
A hologram 14 featuring a form of holographic image, trademark, logo or the like 15 is affixed with a conventional adhesive to the baseball 10 so as to be tamper proof. Furthermore, a unique product code number 16 (e.g., 18739 as shown, or an alpha numeric number) is imprinted on the hologram in a conventional manner.
Through the use of a tamper proof hologram, the hologram 2~99~22 14 cannot be removed or copied without at least partially destroying the hologram. These tamper proof holograms are well known and comprise a hologram on a substrate with an overlying clear film. The hologram cannot be identically replicated, and the code number is printed on the surface of the film so that attempted removal of the hologram will result in removal of the film. The code number is unique and is not used again for another article.
A certificate of authenticity 20 as shown in Figures 2 and 3 having front and back sides 21 and 22 accompanies the memorabilia article, the baseball 10 in this instance. This certificate on one side 21 bears a 15 hologram 24 with an image, logo or the like 25 which may be identical to or different from the image 15 of the hologram 14 on the ball 10 and which also is tamper proof. However the hologram 24 bears an identical product code number 26 (e.g., 18739) to that on the 20 hologram 14 of the baseball 10. Preferably, the hologram 14 and 24 have a similar shape. Every memorabilia article has a different unique code number (even if these articles comprise identical baseballs with original signatures of the same star). The front 25 side 21 preferably has a suitable statement 23 about the authenticity of the article. The back side 22 of the certificate of authenticity can have any suitable identification, wording, logo or the like, such as that shown.
The memorabilia article and certificate are packed together, in this case the baseball 10 and certificate 20. Further, the product code number (e.g., 18739) is recorded at the registration entity, in this instance, 35 for example, as "Baseball, hand-signed by Reggie Jackson in September 1992. " The product comprising the baseball 10 and certificate 20 then is shipped to the customer.
The customer, John Doe, can contact the registration hotline by mail or telephone (preferably an 800 number) to register the ball code number in the name of the customer. Subsequently, if that customer decides to sell the ball to another party, that other party can telephone or write to the registration hotline to confirm what item No. 18739 is and its authenticity.
Then the registration hotline operator checks the listing or database of numbers and memorabilia items and confirms that item No. 18739 is a "Baseball, hand-signed by Reggie Jackson in September 1992."
Figure 4 is a simplified flow diagram illustrating the memorabilia item 10 in the form of a baseball signed by Mickey Mantle and with a hologram 14 with a unique code number UDA12345. This Figure also illustrates the associated certificate of authenticity 20 bearing a like or different hologram 24 but with an identical code number UDA12345. Such code numbers could also take the form of alphabetical code symbols, Roman numerals or other abstract symbols. Furthermore, this Figure illustrates the database or list of code numbers and the identity or descriptions of the associated item as illustrated at database 30 on a computer display. As described above, the customer or owner 31 upon purchasing the memorabilia item 10 may at any time check the authenticity of a memorabilia item 10 via the database or list 30 at the hotline.
Accordingly, the present system and method provides articles with a hologram and unique number, along with a certificate bearing a hologram and like unique number, to enable a customer to verify the authenticity of the article in a simple and efficient manner.
Although the preferred embodiment of the invention described above used a security device in the form of a hologram, a variety of equally useful, alternative security devices could readily be adapted for use in connection with the present invention. For example, rather than using an image-bearing medium in the form of a hologram, one could use other forms of image-bearing media including either mechanically or optically generated diffraction gratings which can be fabricated to include various two dimensional patterns, images or forms.
Depending on the degree of security required, other less secure forms of image-bearing media could function equally well with the present invention. For example, a specially created, unique, art work image created by any optical or mechanical means, whether embodying light diffractive characteristics or not, may in certain applications provide a suitable, although lower level of security which may be adequate in certain applications for lower priced goods. For optimum security, an image-bearing media capable of diffracting light such as diffraction gratings or holograms, will always provide the highest level of security and will typically be used in connection with high value items for which the authentication system of the present invention was primarily designed.
Existing products incorporating light diffracting media such as diffraction gratings and holograms are commercially available in the form of either multi-layer hot stamping foils or pressure sensitive composite materials. The hot stamping foils include a heat-activated adhesive for bonding the appropriate layer of the hot stamping foil to the exposed surface of the item to be authenticated. The pressure sensitive materials include a pressure sensitive adhesive for permanently bonding the material to a substrate. The pressure sensitive adhesive is covered by release paper prior to application.
The term "tamper proof" when used in connection with the image-bearing media of the present invention is defined to mean a medium having an image which will either be damaged or destroyed in response to attempted tampering, alteration or removal. Such damage frequently takes the form of delamination of the vacuum deposited reflective metal layer typically forming a part of pressure sensitive materials or of hot stamping foils which include images formed by diffractive patterns or, alternatively, damage in the form of delamination of the film or thermoplastic layers from the adhesive coated carrier backing in response to attempts to remove the image-bearing media from the surface to which it is bonded.
Although the items to be authenticated have been described in terms of basketballs, baseballs, baseball bats and gloves, the authentication system of the present system is equally well adapted for use in connection with the authentication of sports apparel including football or hockey helmets or fabric materials including jerseys, jackets, coats, uniforms and related materials.
When an image-bearing medium according to the present invention is affixed to a fabric material, it will typically be permanently affixed to such material by a heat-activated adhesive or an equivalent material such that attempted removal of the authenticating image-bearing medium will result either in destruction of the underlying fabric material, destruction of the image-bearing media itself or destruction of both elements.
As shown and described in connection with FIG. 2, in one embodiment of the authentication system of the present invention, the unique code number can be imprinted directly on the image-bearing media. In another embodiment of the invention, the unique code number, rather than being imprinted directly onto the image-bearing medium as illustrated in FIG. 2, could equally well be imprinted on the certificate in proximity to, but offset from, the image-bearing media.
In another embodiment of the invention, the image-bearing medium affixed to the article to be authenticated could be entirely different in form and appearance from the image-bearing medium affixed to the certificate of authenticity. For example, a hologram having a first image could serve as the image-bearing medium for the article to be authenticated while a two-dimensional diffraction grating depicting an entirely different image could be affixed to the certificate of authenticity. The serial number of both image-bearing media would be identical.
One particular method of implementing the necessary tamper proof aspect of the present invention is to utilize an adhesive which permanently bonds the image-bearing medium to the item to be authenticated or to the certificate of authenticity. The permanency of the bond is achieved by using an adhesive having a shear strength which exceeds the shear strength of the image-bearing medium.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the authentication system of the present invention may be modified in numerous ways and may assume many embodiments other than the preferred forms specifically set out and described above. Accordingly, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications of the invention which fall within the broad scope of the invention disclosed above.
Claims (21)
1. An authentication system for an article comprising:
a. an article for which authentication is desired;
b. a first image-bearing medium affixed to the article with an adhesive to be tamper proof, the medium having imprinted thereon a unique code number;
c. a certificate of authenticity for the article, and including thereon a second image-bearing medium with an identical unique code number; and d. a list of unique code numbers with a statement of the respective product to which each unique code number applies.
a. an article for which authentication is desired;
b. a first image-bearing medium affixed to the article with an adhesive to be tamper proof, the medium having imprinted thereon a unique code number;
c. a certificate of authenticity for the article, and including thereon a second image-bearing medium with an identical unique code number; and d. a list of unique code numbers with a statement of the respective product to which each unique code number applies.
2. The system of Claim 1 wherein the first and second image-bearing media each include a light diffracting pattern.
3. The system of Claim 2 wherein at least one of the light diffracting patterns includes a hologram.
4. The system of Claim 2 wherein the light diffracting pattern includes an optically generated diffraction pattern.
5. The system of Claim 2 wherein the light diffracting pattern includes a mechanically generated diffraction pattern.
6. The system of Claims 1 or 2 wherein the image of the first image-bearing medium and the image of the second image-bearing medium are identical.
7. The system of Claims 1 or 2 wherein the image of the first image-bearing medium and the image of the second image-bearing medium are different.
8. The system of Claim 1 wherein the list of unique code numbers is accessible by a purchaser of the article to enable the purchaser to verify the authenticity of the article through the unique code number.
9. The system of Claim 1 wherein the article includes an autograph.
10. The system of Claim 9 wherein the article is a baseball.
11. The system of Claim 1 wherein the first image-bearing medium includes a holographic image on a substrate with an overlying clear thin film with an outer layer and the unique code number is imprinted on the outer surface of the film.
12. An authentication method for an article comprising the steps of:
a. providing an article for which authentication is desired;
b. affixing to the article a first image-bearing medium with an adhesive so as to be tamper proof;
c. providing on the first image-bearing medium a unique code number;
d. providing a certificate of authenicity for the article and including thereon a second image-bearing medium with an identical unique code number; and e. providing a list of unique code numbers with a statement of the respective products to which each of the unique code numbers apply, and providing in the list the unique code number for the article and a brief description of that article.
a. providing an article for which authentication is desired;
b. affixing to the article a first image-bearing medium with an adhesive so as to be tamper proof;
c. providing on the first image-bearing medium a unique code number;
d. providing a certificate of authenicity for the article and including thereon a second image-bearing medium with an identical unique code number; and e. providing a list of unique code numbers with a statement of the respective products to which each of the unique code numbers apply, and providing in the list the unique code number for the article and a brief description of that article.
13. The method of Claim 12 wherein the first and second image-bearing media include light diffracting patterns.
14. The method of Claim 13 wherein either the first or the second image-bearing medium includes a hologram.
15. The method of Claim 14 wherein both the first and the second image-bearing media include holograms.
16. The method of Claim 14 wherein the brief description identifies the article and a feature of the article for which authentication is desired.
17. The method of Claim 16 wherein the feature is an autograph of a sports personality.
18. In an authentication system for enabling an article to be authenticated, wherein a certificate of authenticity is provided with each product and a list of unique code numbers describing each article and the associated code number, each article having at least one unique feature, such as a person's 11a autograph, and having a first image-bearing medium affixed to the article with an adhesive so as to be tamper proof, the first image-bearing medium having imprinted thereon a unique code number and the unique code number and a brief description of the article being stated in the list, the corresponding certificate of authenticity including a second image-bearing medium having the same unique code number as the unique code number associated with the article.
19. The system of Claim 18 wherein the first and second image-bearing media include light diffracting patterns.
20. The system of Claim 19 wherein at least one of the image-bearing media includes a hologram.
21. The system of Claim 20 wherein the unique feature includes an autograph.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US07/954,114 | 1992-09-30 | ||
| US07/954,114 US5267756A (en) | 1992-09-30 | 1992-09-30 | Authentication system |
| US08/078,735 US5380047A (en) | 1992-09-30 | 1993-06-16 | Authentication system |
| US08/078,735 | 1993-06-16 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2099622A1 CA2099622A1 (en) | 1994-03-31 |
| CA2099622C true CA2099622C (en) | 1998-07-14 |
Family
ID=26760878
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002099622A Expired - Fee Related CA2099622C (en) | 1992-09-30 | 1993-06-24 | Authentication system |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5380047A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2099622C (en) |
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| BE1011563A5 (en) * | 1997-11-21 | 1999-11-09 | Deckmyn Joris | Secured against forgery hecht labels and method for features and / or what brands of goods and / or documents. |
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| US5128779A (en) * | 1988-02-12 | 1992-07-07 | American Banknote Holographics, Inc. | Non-continuous holograms, methods of making them and articles incorporating them |
| US5145212A (en) * | 1988-02-12 | 1992-09-08 | American Banknote Holographics, Inc. | Non-continuous holograms, methods of making them and articles incorporating them |
-
1993
- 1993-06-16 US US08/078,735 patent/US5380047A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1993-06-24 CA CA002099622A patent/CA2099622C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US5380047A (en) | 1995-01-10 |
| CA2099622A1 (en) | 1994-03-31 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |