Eastman-kodak Company

Thomas J Widzinski

Myra T Olm

Thomas D Pawlik

Judith A Bose

Erwin Ludwig Allmann

Gary M Spinelli

Mark P Henry

David A Hodder

Myra Toffolon Olm

David Allan Hodder

A method of enabling an authenticating device () includes providing an enabling target (); measuring one or more attributes of the enabling target with the authenticating device; comparing at least one measured attribute with a predetermined expected value; enabling the authenticating device when the at least one measured attribute matches the predetermined expected value; and operating the authenticating device.

Authentication device with access control and calibration

A method for authenticating security markers includes capturing an image of a region of interest on a product with a camera; storing image data in a two-dimensional array on a microprocessor; counting a number of pixels at or above a predetermined brightness level in the image data with the microprocessor to determine a first score; establishing an area within the image; counting a number of pixels within the area to determine a second score; calculating a ratio of the second score to the first score; and if the ratio is above a predetermined threshold the security marker is authenticated.

Method of authenticating security marker

A method for detecting and viewing invisible indicia includes illuminating the invisible indicia with radiation of a first wavelength with an illumination source; detecting emitted light from the invisible indicia at a second wavelength with a sensor array; eliminating reflected radiation at the first wavelength; focusing an image of the invisible indicia on the sensor array; displaying the image of the invisible indicia; spacing the sensor array at a fixed distance from the invisible indicia with a spacer; and adjusting sensitivity of the sensor array.

Method for viewing invisible indicia

A system for enabling an authenticating device includes an enabling target (); measuring one or more attributes of the enabling target with the authenticating device; comparing at least one measured attribute with a predetermined expected value; enabling the authenticating device when the at least one measured attribute matches the predetermined expected value; and operating the authenticating device.

A method for detecting authorized security markers includes capturing an image of a region of interest on a product with a camera; storing image data in a two-dimensional array on a microprocessor; counting a number of pixels at or above a predetermined brightness level in the image data with the microprocessor to determine a first score; eroding the image data; counting the pixels which remain at or above the predetermined brightness level after erosion to determine a second score; calculating a ratio of the second score to the first score; and producing a first authentication signal if the ratio meets a first predetermined criteria.

Image algorithms to reject undesired image features

An apparatus for eliminating background noise from a security marker authenticating system including a first sensor for capturing an image of a background of the security marker; a light source for illuminating the security marker; the first sensor or a second sensor or both captures a plurality images of the optical response of the security marker; a computer which averages the plurality of optical response images; the computer smoothes the background image; and the computer subtracts the smoothed background image from the average of the plurality of optical response images.

Apparatus for eliminating background noise

A method of eliminating background noise from a system for authenticating security markers includes capturing an image of a background of the security marker; illuminating the security marker; capturing a plurality of images of the optical response of the security marker; averaging the plurality of optical response images; smoothing the background image; and subtracting the smoothed background image from the average of the plurality of optical response images.

Method of eliminating background noise

A labeling method for marking a product with invisible information. The label includes a removable laminate formed from a light transmissive layer, and a light transmissive adhesive that detachably affixes the label to a product. The label includes an invisible marker that contains information, detectable by light of selected wavelength. The amount of marker selected is sufficient to allow information in the marker to be detected only when the laminate is affixed over a surface with a selected optical background. The label laminate is removed from the surface of the product and affixed to a surface having the selected optical background and is exposed to light that renders the information in the marker detectable. The method allows covert information in the label laminate to be reliably detected and read with the use of minimal quantities of marker material.

Growing community of inventors

Rochester, NY, United States of America

Thomas J Widzinski