Method and system used for item authentication and customization

Abstract

A method of illuminating an item is disclosed. The method includes applying adhesive to the item, interspersing a taggant in the adhesive, illuminating the item with an excitation signal, sensing luminescence emitted by the taggant in response to illumination by the excitation signal, and determining the authenticity of the item based on the sensed emitted luminescence. The item can include any item benefited by authentication, and can include a postage stamp. A method of customizing an item is disclosed. This can include the steps of preparing a substrate, applying a security feature to the substrate, printing non-customized information on the substrate, receiving image information, and printing the image information on the substrate.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application No. 13 / 790,559, filed March 8, 2013, which in turn claims U.S. Provisional No. 61 / 609,163, filed March 9, 2012 priority of the application, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Any and all priority claims identified in the Application Data Sheet or any corrections thereto are hereby incorporated by reference pursuant to 37 CFR 1.57. technical field [0003] The present application generally relates to customized systems and methods for authenticating items. Background technique [0004] Counterfeit items of all kinds are a serious problem throughout the world, causing huge loss of revenue to legitimate businesses and individuals. Difficulty in distinguishing items produced by counterfeiters from genuine items, thereby capturing revenue from sales to manufacturers of genuine items, and impacting legitimate commerce when counte...

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