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: 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 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 present invention relates to particulate based compositions for deposition on substrates, a system and method for the deposition of the said compositions for preparation of a clone-proof monetary and/or security documents. The said composition is applied as an identifier at predetermined location on the substrate. The magneto-optical signal from the said applied composition is captured by the reading system. Further it is encrypted same as an invisible or visible two dimensional (2D) barcode/imageon the substrate as an associated identifier so as to create a dedicated, non repeatable and unique functional digitised relation between two said identifiers and/or any other identifier(s) linked to a specific object.

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: 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: Disclosed is an object (200) such as a credit card, bank note, document, label, etc which carries an identification layer (103) which contains readable information. The identification layer can include randomly distributed conductive/magnetizable particles (303), semiconductive particle, optically active particles and the like. The identification layer is sandwiched between an upper layer (105) and lower layer (104) to form the object. At least some of the particles are exposed along one edge (102) of the object and can be read by a read head (201) which moves along the edge.

Abstract: A method of identifying an object having identification information, said identification information being used to verify the object's identity, said method comprising: determining at least one characteristic of a magnetic field of at least a portion of a tag, thereby obtaining a first specific magnetic signal, wherein the tag comprises a substantially non-magnetic host material having pores, wherein at least some of the pores contain a magnetic material, and storing signal information relating to said first specific magnetic signal, said stored signal information forming the identification information of the 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.

Abstract: An identification tag for identifying an object to which the identification tag may be attached or in which the tag may be embedded, as well as to objects that are adapted to be identified. The invention also relates to reading devices for reading identification features that are located in an identification tag. The tags and objects may consist of an engagement track or accommodating recess wherein the engagement track or accommodating recess is designed such that it allows reading of identification features comprised in the tag or object and wherein the engagement track or accommodating recess is designed such that it is essentially complementary in shape to an engagement element of a reading device, wherein the engagement element comprises a reading element adapted for reading the identification features located in the identification tag or object. The identification tag may also comprise an accommodating layer which comprises an accommodating recess.

Abstract: A method of verifying the identity of an object (322) which has at least two sets of identification information (321 and 327) which are each arranged on or incorporated within a different surface of the object and are at a fixed relative spatial position to each other. In order to identify an object, a reading device (324) obtains a first (325) and a second signal (326) from the first and second sets of identification information of the object respectively, determines the relative spatial position between the two sets of information, and determines the signature of the object.

Abstract: Disclosed is an object (200) such as a credit card, bank note, document, label, etc which carries an identification layer (103) which contains readable information. The identification layer can include randomly distributed conductive/magnetisable particles (303), semiconductive particle, optically active particles and the like. The identification layer is sandwiched between an upper layer (105) and lower layer (104) to form the object. At least some of the particles are exposed along one edge (102) of the object and can be read by a read head (201) which moves along the edge.