Abstract: Unauthorized products are prevented from being sold on online websites. Product identifier keys and private authentication keys are stored in a database of an authentication server. Each identifier key serves as an address for its corresponding authentication key in the database. A product and a security seal are displayed on a webpage served by a website. An identifier key and an authentication key for the displayed product are encoded into the security seal. In response to selecting the security seal, the website extracts the encoded identifier key and authentication keys, and sends them to the database. The authentication server determines whether the displayed product is genuine and authorized when a match is made between the extracted keys and the stored keys.

Abstract: Objects are identified by authentication tags, each configured with an authentication key that includes a first dataset comprised of a random distribution of three-dimensional elements, and with a second dataset comprised of machine-readable data elements. The authentication keys are readable by image capture and/or RFID reading devices, at least one of which is authorized to read at least one of the keys under predetermined conditions. An object is deemed genuine when the device reading a key has been authorized, and when the reading is performed when the conditions have been met.

Abstract: During manufacture and packaging of items whose authenticity is to be verified, the items are marked with individual item characteristics, and placed in a package. A first item authentication code is determined from the individual item characteristics of the marked items. A first package authentication code is generated, and the package is marked with the first package authentication code. During item authentication in the field, an image of the package and the marked items is captured, a second package authentication code and the individual item characteristics are extracted from the captured image, the extracted individual item characteristics are processed to generate a second item authentication code, and the authenticity of the marked items is verified by matching the first and second package authentication codes and by matching the first and second item authentication codes.

Abstract: Light-modifying elements of a multi-dimensional barcode are arranged along first and second directions that are orthogonal to each other in a pattern that stores first and second quantities of information stored in the barcode. Some of the elements have different elevations along a third direction that is orthogonal to the first and second directions to store a third quantity of the information. Some of the elements are colored to store a fourth quantity of the information. A surrounding medium at least partially encases at least some of the elements. The surrounding medium has a characteristic that stores a fifth quantity of the information.

Abstract: A method of, and a system and a label for, authenticating an object in situ create an authentication pattern signature for the object to be authenticated, associate a random distribution of multiple, three-dimensional elements with the object, aim a portable, handheld, image capture device at the object to capture return light from the elements as a single image, verify from the single image that the elements are three-dimensional, process the single image to generate an image pattern of the elements, compare the image pattern with the authentication pattern signature, and indicate that the object is authentic when the image pattern matches the authentication pattern signature.

Abstract: A method of, and a system and a label for, authenticating an object in situ create an authentication pattern signature for the object to be authenticated, associate a random distribution of multiple, three-dimensional elements with the object, aim a portable, handheld, image capture device at the object to capture return light from the elements as a single image, verify from the single image that the elements are three-dimensional, process the single image to generate an image pattern of the elements, compare the image pattern with the authentication pattern signature, and indicate that the object is authentic when the image pattern matches the authentication pattern signature.

Abstract: A method of, and a system and a label for, authenticating an object in situ create an authentication pattern signature for the object to be authenticated, associate a random distribution of multiple, three-dimensional elements with the object, aim a portable, handheld, image capture device at the object to capture return light from the elements as a single image, verify from the single image that the elements are three-dimensional, process the single image to generate an image pattern of the elements, compare the image pattern with the authentication pattern signature, and indicate that the object is authentic when the image pattern matches the authentication pattern signature.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely auditing inventoried assets, particularly those financed by asset-based inventory lending, by capturing unique, non-clonable, auditing information with an interrogation device at an inventory location to indicate whether each asset is present or absent at the inventory location, and by sending inventory information about such assets based on the captured auditing information to an auditor.

Abstract: A method of, and a system and a label for, authenticating an object in situ create an authentication pattern signature for the object to be authenticated, associate a random distribution of multiple, three-dimensional elements with the object, aim a portable, handheld, image capture device at the object to capture return light from the elements as a single image, verify from the single image that the elements are three-dimensional, process the single image to generate an image pattern of the elements, compare the image pattern with the authentication pattern signature, and indicate that the object is authentic when the image pattern matches the authentication pattern signature.