Importance

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Abstract

Authenticating an object includes marking the object with a mark containing at least two markers wherein each marker fluoresces when illuminated with one of UV and IR, but does not fluoresce when illuminated with visible light. The marking may be in the form of a bar code containing a number or alphanumeric codes uniquely identifying the object to be marked with the particular mixture of markers used. A spectral analysis of the marking ink or the code is used to define spectral peaks for use as part of the authentication signature. The authentication signature may be defined using the identified peaks and logical conditions imposed upon them such as minimum threshold amplitude values and ratio values among peaks. Apparatus includes a device for storing data associating the code data printed on the object, the identification of the marking ink, the authentication signature (including the logical constraints) and other data such as the position of the marking on the object, the owner of the object and date of marking.

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First Claim