Abstract: A verification system is disclosed in conjunction with a card having a uniqueness characteristic for avoiding counterfeits. A magnetic stripe on the card records encoded combination data based on the uniqueness characteristic and personal identification data of the assigned bearer. The card is sensed to provide fresh observations of the uniqueness characteristic along with data from the magnetic stripe. An operator interacting with the system provides his personal identification data. The magnetic stripe data is combined with the operator-provided personal identification data to derive a decoded indication of the uniqueness characteristic. Such a uniqueness characteristic is compared with the freshly sensed uniqueness characteristic as a basis for verifying the authenticity of both the personal identification data and the card. The system further incorporates structure for modifying the personal identification data by interaction between the system and a proper operator.

Abstract: A system is disclosed including an authentication device as in the form of a document that is difficult to counterfeit and is individually identifiable. A sheet of medium comprising the document incorporates a section with a characteristic that specifically identifies the document as, for example, a section of varying translucency which will modulate a beam of light. Elements of such character identify the document as an individual unit. A visible mark or reference indicia on the document specifies the section of the document that serves to provide the characteristic identification. The visible mark is magnetic and records specific locations in the section and data on the document characteristic at such locations. An associated system is disclosed for producing and testing authenticator devices whereby the characteristic is sensed initially to be magnetically recorded in the mark and subsequently to be compared with the magnetically recorded data.

Abstract: An authenticator device, e.g. card, of verifiable composition substance and informational content with a system of production and verification. Character uniqueness signals identifying the composition of the device are recorded on the card in an encrypted form combined with statistical data signals representative of information on the card. Testing the card involves freshly sensing the character uniqueness data and entering the statistical data. Such fresh data is then compared with the recorded values after decoding. Favorable comparisons manifest approval and enter the statistical data for processing.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for individually tracing units of merchandise with authentication devices or tags as such tags (with merchandise) move through channels of commerce. The total system incorporates a non-counterfeitable authenticator or verification tag which bears a machine-readable identification number and which in one form includes perforated, tear-off sections bearing the identification number and in another form is adhesively integrated with a product package. Operating with the tag, the physical system includes a central processor with a memory means that is addressable by using the tag identification number. A tag reader senses the machine-readable identification number (may also verify the tag) and addresses the memory means for registering information to specifically identify the tag and indicate batch information. As the tag (and unit of merchandise) move to commerce, the memory information is supplemented to provide a history of such movement.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for authenticating an object on the basis of certain physical phenomena or character, specifically, measurable, but not practicably duplicable random variations in the object. In one form, the object (authenticator (T)) is a paper tag having a reference space (14), the varying translucency pattern of which is measurable but practicably unduplicable characteristic of the paper. The reference space (14) is sensed to provide reference signals indicative of the varying translucency. A reference numeral (10) is then provided from some registered form, as on the tag or in a list. If the numeral (10) is readily accessible, it likely will be crytographically encoded. Note the value of putting encoded information on the tag to avoid the need for large reference files.For verification, freshly sensed reference signals, as from the tag (T) (actually characteristic of the tag) are compared with signals that previously were sensed as characteristic of the tag (T).

Abstract: A system is disclosed for authenticating an object on the basis of certain physical phenomena or character, specifically, measurable, but not practicably duplicable random variations in the object. In one form, the object (authenticator (T)) is a paper tag having a reference space (14), the varying translucency pattern of which is a measurable but practicably unduplicable characteristic of the paper. The reference space (14) is sensed to provide reference signals indicative of the varying translucency. A reference numeral (10) is then provided from some registered form, as on the tag or in a list. If the numeral (10) is readily accessible, it likely will be cryptographically encoded. Note the value of putting encoded information on the tag to avoid the need for large reference files.For verification, freshly sensed reference signals, as from the tag (T) (actually characteristic of the tag) are compared with signals that previously were sensed as characteristic of the tag (T).

Abstract: An identification card is disclosed as for supporting commercial or other significant transactions involving a designated subject. The card incorporates a machine-readable record and includes a composition to characteristically modulate a light beam for individual card identification. In one embodiment, the card incorporates light-changing crystals (e.g. polaroid) to modulate a light beam. The machine-readable record on the card indicates: the light beam modulation, a coded personal identification for the subject card bearer, and a time-related value criterion involving use for the card. Systems are disclosed for variously sensing card characteristics by modulated light including polarized light techniques and from different aspects.A system for processing the cards is also disclosed including apparatus for sensing recorded signals representative of: a modulated light beam characteristic, a personal identification for the card holder, and a time-related use limitation.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for authenticating an object on the basis of certain physical phenomena or character, specifically, measurable, but not practicably duplicable random variations in the object. In one form, the object (authenticator (T)) is a paper tag having a reference space (14), the varying translucency pattern of which is a measurable but practicably unduplicable characteristic of the paper. The reference space (14) is sensed to provide reference signals indicative of the varying translucency. A reference numeral (10) is then provided from some registered form, as on the tag or in a list. If the numeral (10) is readily accessible, it likely will be cryptographically encoded. Note the value of putting encoded information on the tag to avoid the need for large reference files.For verification, freshly sensed reference signals, as from the tag (T) (actually characteristic of the tag) are compared with signals that previously were sensed as characteristic of the tag (T).