The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 22, 2002
Filed:
Mar. 28, 2001
Louis H. Liang, Los Altos, CA (US);
Angstrom Technologies, Inc., Erlanger, KY (US);
Abstract
A system ( ) is provided for performing first order authentication of articles marked with indicia ( ) discernible in visible, ultraviolet, or infrared light or tagged with UV- or IR-sensitive chemicals. The first-order authentication system provides reliable visual authentication by providing for juxtaposition of the article-under-test ( ) with a known reference-standard sample-specimen ( , or ), while the article-under-test ( ) is illuminated by a suitable source ( or ) of radiation in the visible, ultraviolet, or infrared portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Thus, the system ( ) facilitates comparison to differentiate a genuine article from a counterfeit article with first-order accuracy but at a substantially lower cost than that of automated authentication systems. Additionally, the system can be used in both portable and desk top embodiments. The system preferably has optional interchangeable holders ( or ) for various articles-under-test as well as an optional interchangeable holder ( ) for various reference-standard sample-specimens. Some embodiments utilize structures incorporating split-image optics ( ), superposed-image optics, and/or a blink-comparator.