Abstract: A method of authentication using surface paper texture includes steps of capturing a topographic pattern image of a surface of a region of interest of the paper artifact and extracting a plurality of specific features from the captured topographic pattern image. The method further identifies the location of the specific features of the paper artifact from the captured topographic pattern image. A bit map of the identified location of the specific features is generated. Then, a reference image of a reference bit map printed on the region of interest of the paper artifact is captured. Finally, the method compares the generated bit map with the captured reference bit map to generate a score. The score of the comparison determines the level of authentication. The method provides an offline method of authentication.

Abstract: A device for authentication, which is capable of producing a topographic pattern image based on a microstructure of a paper-based artifact. The topographic pattern image of the microstructure of the paper-based artifacts is used for authentication of the paper-based artifacts. The device includes an illumination channel comprising a light source and a light director configured to bend the light beam produced by the light source. The device also includes an imaging channel comprising at least one lens configured to magnify the topographic pattern created by the light beam and an image capturing mechanism to capture the topographic pattern.