Abstract: A method is provided. The method includes providing an authentication code onto a reference article associated with a person, determining a signature associated with the authentication code, imaging a candidate article to determine an image signature, and comparing the associated signature with the image signature to determine whether the candidate article is the reference article. A related system and imaging device are also provided.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes methods, systems, and computer program products for performing extrinsic copy detection and authentication of items. According to one method, an arrangement of symbols is generated. The symbols may include a variety of letters, groups of letters, characters, or pictures that are used instead of a word or a group of words. The arrangement of symbols are printed on an item which may hereinafter be referred to as the original or authentic item. A representation of the arrangement of symbols is captured after being printed on the original item. A registration signature is generated based on the captured arrangement of symbols. The registration signature is then stored in a database, such as a secure, central electronic database.