Abstract: The invention provides an authentication unit for reading identification and/or authentication information from a tag or object. The authentication unit includes a near-field reader configured to read a first identification feature based on inherent disorder, and a far-field reader configured to read a second identification feature, such as a bar code, optical characters, or an RFID tag. The near-field and far-field readers may be combined in a single integrated scanning module, which also includes circuitry for receiving signals from the readers, and an interface for communicating with a host device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method of reading and verifying a tag based on inherent disorder during a manufacturing process. The method includes using a first reader to take a first reading of an inherent disorder feature of the tag, and using a second reader to take a second reading of the inherent disorder feature of the tag. The method further includes matching the first reading with the second reading, and determining one or more acceptance criteria, wherein at least one of the acceptance criteria is based on whether the first reading and the second reading match within a predetermined threshold. If the acceptance criteria are met, then the tag is accepted, and a fingerprint for the tag is recorded. The invention further provides a method of testing and characterizing a reader of inherent disorder tags during a manufacturing process.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an adaptor that presents information from an inherent disorder feature as an optical signal. The adaptor is configured to direct the optical signal onto an optical processing unit built into a camera of a mobile device, such as a mobile telephone, to generate an image usable to identify an object. The adaptor is configured to be user attachable to the mobile device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an adaptor that presents information from an inherent disorder feature as an optical signal. The adaptor is configured to direct the optical signal onto an optical processing unit built into a camera of a mobile device, such as a mobile telephone, to generate an image usable to identify an object. The adaptor is configured to be user attachable to the mobile device.

Abstract: The invention provides an authentication unit for reading identification and/or authentication information from a tag or object. The authentication unit includes a near-field reader configured to read a first identification feature based on inherent disorder, and a far-field reader configured to read a second identification feature, such as a bar code, optical characters, or an RFID tag. The near-field and far-field readers may be combined in a single integrated scanning module, which also includes circuitry for receiving signals from the readers, and an interface for communicating with a host device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reading device for identifying a tag or an object adapted to be identified, said reading device including a first reading element for reading a first set of identification features located in the tag or the object adapted to be identified. The first reading element is a magneto-optical reading element; wherein the first reading element is adapted to conform to the tag or object adapted to be identified when brought into contact with the tag or object adapted to be identified.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an apparatus for forming and reading an identification feature on or in an object. The apparatus comprises a formation unit for physically forming an identification feature on or in an object, at least one reading unit adapted to read the identification feature to form a signature, and a housing, wherein the formation unit and the at least one reading unit are both contained in the housing. The at least one reading unit can comprise at least two reading elements. The identification feature can comprise an identification feature based on inherent disorder. The invention also refers to a method of forming and reading an identification feature on or in an object.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method of reading and verifying a tag based on inherent disorder during a manufacturing process. The method includes using a first reader to take a first reading of an inherent disorder feature of the tag, and using a second reader to take a second reading of the inherent disorder feature of the tag. The method further includes matching the first reading with the second reading, and determining one or more acceptance criteria, wherein at least one of the acceptance criteria is based on whether the first reading and the second reading match within a predetermined threshold. If the acceptance criteria are met, then the tag is accepted, and a fingerprint for the tag is recorded. The invention further provides a method of testing and characterizing a reader of inherent disorder tags during a manufacturing process.

Abstract: The invention provides an authentication unit for reading identification and/or authentication information from a tag or object. The authentication unit includes a near-field reader configured to read a first identification feature based on inherent disorder, and a far-field reader configured to read a second identification feature, such as a bar code, optical characters, or an RFID tag. The near-field and far-field readers may be combined in a single integrated scanning module, which also includes circuitry for receiving signals from the readers, and an interface for communicating with a host device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reading device for identifying a tag or an object adapted to be identified, said reading device including a first reading element for reading a first set of identification features located in the tag or the object adapted to be identified. The first reading element is a magneto-optical reading element; wherein the first reading element is adapted to conform to the tag or object adapted to be identified when brought into contact with the tag or object adapted to be identified.

Abstract: A reading device for identifying a tag or an object adapted to be identified is disclosed. The reading device includes a first reading element for reading a first set of identification features located in the tag or the object adapted to be identified, wherein the first reading element is a magneto-optical reading element; and a second reading element for reading a second set of identification features located in the tag or the object adapted to be identified; wherein the reading device is configured such that a first signal generated from reading the first set of identification features and a second signal generated from reading the second set of identification features are independently used to derive a first signature and a second signature for identifying the tag or object.

Abstract: A reading device for identifying a tag or an object adapted to be identified is disclosed. The reading device includes a reading element for reading a first set of identification features located in the tag or the object adapted to be identified, wherein the reading element is a magneto-optical reading element. The reading element also reads a second set of identification features located in the tag or the object adapted to be identified; wherein the reading device is configured such that a first signal generated from reading the first set of identification features and a second signal generated from reading the second set of identification features are independently used to derive a first signature and a second signature for identifying the tag or object.

Abstract: A reading device for identifying a tag or an object adapted to be identified is disclosed. The reading device includes a first reading element for reading a first set of identification features located in the tag or the object adapted to be identified, wherein the first reading element is a magneto-optical reading element; and a second reading element for reading a second set of identification features located in the tag or the object adapted to be identified; wherein the reading device is configured such that a first signal generated from reading the first set of identification features and a second signal generated from reading the second set of identification features are independently used to derive a first signature and a second signature for identifying the tag or object.