Method and device of authenticating product

Abstract

A method of identifying or authenticating a product by providing an analog identification indicium including a randomized pattern of identification features on a first part of the product wherein one or more attributes of the randomized pattern of identification features correspond to an item identifier. A digital identification record is provided on a second part of the product including an encoded digital version of the item identifier, the first and second parts being separable when the product is used. The randomized pattern of identification features of the analog identification indicium is read and decoded to generate an item identifier and the digital identification record is read and decoded to generate an item identifier. If a special light source is necessary to read the randomized pattern of identification feature, a flag is present in the analog identification indicium or the digital identification record that indicates one or more types of light sources that can be used to read the identification feature. The appropriate light source is activated to read the identification feature and if the appropriate light source is not available the user is alerted to this fact. The product is deemed authentic if the item identifier from the analog identification indicium substantially matches the item identifier from the digital identification record.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a system and method for authenticating a product using a combination of analog and digital identifiers comprising an analog identification mark and a corresponding digital identification record, and more particularly, to a system and method for authenticating a product wherein the analog identification mark Or the digital identification record includes a hardware compatibility flag indicating one or more types of stimuli that can be used to read the analog identification indicium. Background technique [0002] There is growing concern about counterfeit products entering the US market, including software, music CDs, and over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Counterfeit products not only reduce profits for legitimate manufacturers, but also mislead consumers who inadvertently purchase counterfeit products. Because counterfeit medicines cause health problems, they are of greatest concern to pharmaceutical manufacturers...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0006] Although anti-counterfeiting techniques involving visible special stimuli, as disclosed in the '597 and '682 patent applications, provide an additional measure of security, it is not possible to successfully decode the tag if the scanner is not equipped with the appropriate hardware to provide the stimuli, and the part may be improperly identified as counterfeit

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