Abstract: A system for reliably recording digital data on marginal magnetic recording medium by utilizing a two-track format and testing to locate pairs of record-quality areas of the medium. A magnetic stripe on a document is defined into a pair of recording tracks each with a sequence of bit locations. Associated pairs of bit locations (one from each track) are jointly tested for recording quality. One bit location of poor quality eliminates the pair; however, if both bit locations meet a standard, they are employed cooperatively to record data. Specifically, each bit location initially is recorded with a pulse. Any pair of bit locations which cannot meet the standard is totally cleared (erased), while pairs of bit locations meeting the standard are selectively erased to represent digital data.

Abstract: Representations are developed that characterize an article for identification by comparison with a reference standard as an escort memory. The representations are reduced to a binary tri-level code covering two extreme possibilities and an intermediate range for indecisive cases. Characteristics are sensed by light in one form by interferometer techniques.

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 alo 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 document identification system incorporating an identification card bearing image indicia that is sensed and tested for comparison with reference data. The image indicia on the card, e.g. a photographic likeness of the card assignee, is dissected to provide representative pixel data. Individual image pixel representations are quantized, digitized and stored in an escort memory, e.g. a magnetic stripe on the card. The card is verified by again sensing the image indicia and processing the data as before. The resultant test data is correlated with the reference data from the escort memory. The composite indication of the correlation is manifest as an acceptance or a rejection and also as a two-dimensional binary display (black or white pixel areas) to reveal an analysis of the correlation for manual interpretation. The display is variable for different levels of detail.

Abstract: A verification system for cards or other devices with an anticounterfeit characteristic and an escort memory, wherein for lower or routine levels of security, the escort memory serves to confirm part of the anticounterfeit characteristic and for higher levels of security a central station memory is employed to confirm another part of the anticounterfeit characteristic. Distinction between levels of security is determined on the basis of time or other criteria imposed from the central station.

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: 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: 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 is produced with an individual birefringent characteristic to modulate a light beam for card identification. In one embodiment, the card incorporates apparent stress waves to modulate an orientation-frequency characteristic (e.g. polarization angle) of a light beam. The machine-readable record on the card indicates the characteristic birefringence for confirming the card to be authentic. Methods are disclosed for producing and testing the cards. A system is disclosed for sensing card characteristics by modulated light including polarized light techniques to record and verify the cards with allowance for changes, as by card aging.

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: An authenticator device, e.g. certificate, 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 by printing and magnetics 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 of issuing secure docments involving stages that may be substantially distinct both in time and space. A raw document is selected possessing a uniqueness characteristic which is sensed and coded on the document. Subsequently, the document is completed as with an individual designation of value, by providing a bar code in the area of the uniqueness characteristic which is related to an Arabic numeral designation. Apparatus processes such documents for creation and verification based on selective testing of the uniqueness characteristic and the designations.

Abstract: A system 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 or 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 is produced with an individual birefringent characteristic to modulate a light beam for card identification. In one embodiment, the card incorporates apparent stress waves to modulate an orientation-frequency characteristic (e.g. polarization angle) of a light beam. The machine-readable record on the card indicates the characteristic birefringence for confirming the card to be authentic. Methods are disclosed for producing and testing the cards. A system is disclosed for sensing card characteristics by modulated light including polarized light techniques to record and verify the cards with allowance for changes, as by card aging.

Abstract: A system 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 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: 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.