Anti-counterfeiting system and method

Abstract

The present invention discloses systems and methods for establishing trust, accountability, and transparency regarding physical objects by utilizing significant physical characteristics ("information entropy") of one or more entropy configurations. Additionally, such systems and methods assist in detecting counterfeit physical objects.

Description

[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62 / 712,269, filed on July 31, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for establishing trust, accountability, authenticity, and transparency of goods in commerce, documents, packaging, etc., by using significant physical characteristics of entropy configurations ("information entropy") and securely associating or tethering the information entropy to a digital life cycle history ("digital twin"). Background Art

[0003] Counterfeiting involves the act of manufacturing and / or distributing goods in the name of another person or under the brand of another company without the permission of the other person. Counterfeit goods (e.g., "fakes" or "knockoffs") are typically made of inferior quality components, borrow the brand names well-known and trusted by consumers, and sell cheaper imitations. Counterfeit or pirated goods involve multiple industries, including luxury goods and apparel, accessories, music, software, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, tobacco, wine and spirits, consumer goods, toys, fresh food, and electronics.

[0004] Counterfeiting is an important issue in both developed and developing countries. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) reported that in 2013, the trade in counterfeit and pirated goods accounted for 2.5% of international trade, equivalent to $461 billion. In 2013, the trade in counterfeit and pirated goods accounted for 5% of imported goods in Europe alone, equivalent to $116 billion. In fiscal year 2013, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) seized counterfeit and substandard goods worth more than $1.7 billion at the U.S. border.

[0005] Counterfeit goods pose risks to both sellers and consumers. For example, counterfeit goods are usually made of cheap, substandard, and / or dangerous components, which may endanger the health and safety of consumers. When consumers purchase goods from counterfeit websites and provide personal or financial information to counterfeit merchants, they face the risks of identity theft and financial fraud.

[0006] The willful sale and purchase of counterfeit goods are illegal acts. In the United States, the willful sale and purchase of counterfeit goods are state and federal crimes, and individuals may be subject to civil and criminal penalties. Counterfeiters usually do not pay taxes, so the sale and purchase of counterfeit goods gradually weaken municipal services. The production locations of counterfeit goods usually cannot guarantee to pay workers sufficient wages and ensure worker safety as required by law, and may also involve forced labor or child labor.

[0007] The participation of organized criminal groups in the production and sale of counterfeit goods is increasing. The proceeds of the transactions can be used to further support organized crime and other illegal activities, such as drug smuggling and terrorist operations.

[0008] Ultimately, legitimate producers, such as brand manufacturers, invest a great deal of resources in product research and development and build a reputation in the minds of consumers with high-quality products. Counterfeiters, in turn, seek unfair profits from the good reputation of another company. The resulting loss of sales and profits due to this unfair competition is directly translated into reduced wages, unemployment, and rising consumer prices.

[0009] Current anti-counterfeiting technologies use marks or labels produced by a deterministic process. Such marks are generally less complex and more predictable, meaning they are easily replicated by counterfeiters. More complex marks have been developed, but these are generally too expensive to be used on many types of consumer goods.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need to improve systems and methods to track the identity, authenticity, and security of physical objects, such as products and devices, in a cost-effective manner. The systems and methods described herein are directed to these important purposes and other important purposes. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The methods and systems described in this application include one or more significant physical features of entropy configurations ("information entropy") as unique identifiers for physical objects such as products or devices (especially products and / or devices in the areas of commerce, documents, packaging, etc.).

[0012] In some embodiments, the information entropy is based on physical changes that occur naturally (such as randomly or entropically) during the production process, or on scattering or splashing patterns generated by printing labels, text, and / or graphics on an article; scattering or splashing patterns generated by printing text and / or graphics on a mark or label attached to an article; unique random patterns of the orientation of paper fibers within a label or mark; and / or unique topographies of the surface of an article or of a label or mark on an article. For example, when imaged at an appropriate resolution, the printing defects (such as inkjet droplet splashes) inherent in the article itself or in a label or mark attached to the article provide a unique distribution of dot sizes, shapes, and spacings.

[0013] The surface of an article or of a mark or label attached to an article may have a unique topography. The topography can be the substrate itself (such as label material) or the material coated on the substrate (such as adhesives, inks, dyes, etc. that make up a pattern). Similarly, unique patterns of the orientation of paper fibers within a label or mark can be used to analyze and compare information stored in a database.

[0014] These unique patterns can be recorded and compared with a database having known images or patterns, such as reference patterns, to establish a correctness or trust score or trust coefficient.

[0015] In some embodiments, the information entropy includes or comprises random scattering or splashing patterns generated by applying materials such as inks, dyes, pigments, adhesives, etc. onto an article or onto a non-replicable tag attached to the article. In some embodiments, macroscopically, on the article or on the mark or tag attached to the article, the information entropy containing the random scattering or splashing patterns is visible to the naked eye, but the random scattering or splashing patterns need to be magnified to be observed, and are referred to as information entropy based on scattering or absorbance. In some embodiments, the material (such as inks, dyes, pigments, adhesives, etc.) contains one or more additives that emit electromagnetic radiation in one or more portions of the electromagnetic spectrum upon excitation by a source (such as an external excitation source). The radiation can be emitted in the visible range of the spectrum (but needs to be magnified to observe the pattern), or in the ultraviolet or infrared range of the spectrum, and can be detected using an appropriate microscope or other device to observe and record the pattern. Examples include, but are not limited to, luminescence or phosphorescence phenomena.

[0016] The systems and methods described herein should be capable of quickly reading and storing the information entropy including or comprising the scattering or splashing patterns described in this application. In one embodiment, the device for reading or imaging the information entropy described in this application can quickly read the pattern, for example, in about less than 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.75, 0.5, 0.25, 0.1, 0.05, or 0.025 seconds or less. In other embodiments, the reading or imaging of the pattern occurs in about less than 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.75, 0.5, 0.25, 0.1, 0.05, or 0.025 seconds or less and the pattern is stored electronically. When each sheet / tag remains stationary for a long enough time for reading / writing, achieving the quality required for authentication and having a sufficient degree of authenticity, in single sheet feeding or static mode, the information reading can be completed in a roll-to-roll manner (i.e., while multiple rolls of material are being wound and / or unwound, which is typically done during the tag production / printing process).

[0017] In some embodiments, the article does not contain a pointer indicating the location of the information entropy access / imaging (i.e., in such embodiments, the information entropy is not visible to the naked eye or is "concealed").

[0018] The above information entropy can be read, scanned or imaged by various devices known in the art, including but not limited to handheld devices such as smartphones, tablets or other handheld devices; or more permanently installed devices or equipment that can be installed at production sites, shipping containers or shipping terminals, transport vehicles (such as airplanes, trains, ships and trucks) or retail locations. Handheld devices (such as smartphones) can be equipped with appropriate lenses (such as macro lenses or microscopes) to facilitate the reading or imaging of scattered or splashed patterns. The handheld device can be used by manufacturers, shippers / receivers, retailers and / or consumers.

[0019] In one embodiment, the information entropy refers to a random scattering or splashing pattern composed of one or more materials (such as inks, adhesives or combinations thereof), which are directly coated onto an object, and / or onto a label or tag affixed or attached to the object. When generating the random scattering pattern (or at a later point in time), the scattering or splashing pattern is imaged and stored in a database or distributed ledger. By imaging an object at any point in the supply chain and comparing the scattering or splashing pattern on the object or on a label affixed or attached to the object with the scattering or splashing pattern stored in the database, the object can be tracked from production to sale.

[0020] The scattering or splashing patterns described in this application can be used alone or in combination with other information entropy. Technologies that can be used to provide additional information entropy include but are not limited to holograms, optically variable inks (available from Tukan, website https: / / www.tukan.io, 3D printing provided by GE), security threads, barcodes, QR codes, RFID serialization, NFC, unique patterns in radio frequency signals, and combinations thereof.

[0021] The systems and methods described herein can also include sensors for measuring or recording geo-temporal data or environmental data (such as temperature, humidity, etc.), which may be important for time-sensitive, restricted access to specific locations and / or environmentally sensitive items.

[0022] Examples of materials directly coated onto an object include but are not limited to prints, words or logos on clothing (such as authentic sportswear, luxury clothing, etc.), shoes, accessories (handbags, etc.), documents and packaging. Examples of materials used for labels affixed or attached to an object include labels or tags affixed to clothing, shoes, accessories, wine and spirits, tobacco products, pharmaceutical products and medical devices, fruits and vegetables, packaging, etc. Such scattering patterns can be used in combination with one or more other IDENTOPYs (as described above) and / or anti-tampering systems (such as for labeling, packaging, etc.) to introduce additional security elements.

[0023] One or more of the described information entropies enable the identification, authentication, and tracking of products and devices throughout their entire life cycle and can be used in various applications, including but not limited to detecting counterfeit products, verifying identity, tracking geographical itineraries, component sourcing, production history, providing "how to use" information (after the user purchases), tracking asset ownership / transfer trajectories, tracking shipping conditions (such as temperature and humidity tracking), and establishing trust, accountability, and transparency.

[0024] The systems and methods described herein allow for the tracking and authentication / verification of individual items or objects, which may be part of a larger group of identical objects. For example, an ink scattering pattern applied to a luxury item such as clothing with a sticker label or directly to an object such as a handbag allows for its tracking throughout the life cycle and supply chain of the object. The tracking and authentication / verification can be accomplished using the above-mentioned handheld devices or devices more permanently installed in warehouses, trucks, airplanes, trains, ships, or retail locations. Consumers themselves can also use the same systems and methods to verify whether the products they purchase are genuine.

[0025] The information entropy described in this application can be used in combination with other anti-counterfeiting and / or anti-tampering systems to introduce additional security elements. For example, one or more tags with anti-tampering features may be coated on an item.

[0026] In some embodiments, the system is a scattering system, which includes:

[0027] Multiple individual physical objects, each having one or more significant physical features of entropy configurations ("information entropy");

[0028] A cloud-based, shared, immutable ledger for correlating the individual physical objects; and

[0029] A database for comparing the individual physical objects with at least one known parameter to generate a correctness score for the individual physical objects.

[0030] In some embodiments, the method refers to a method for identifying a physical object, including:

[0031] Associating an original certificate with the physical object;

[0032] Associating the original certificate with a shared immutable ledger;

[0033] wherein the original certificate is derived from the entropy physical and digital randomness associated with the physical object; and

[0034] Optionally, providing the correctness score of the physical object when a user inquires or requests. Detailed implementation

[0035] The "blockchain" used in this application refers to a continuously growing list of records, called blocks, which are linked using cryptography. Each block contains the cryptographic hash of the previous block, a timestamp, and transaction data. By design, the blockchain is resistant to modification of the data.

[0036] The "database" used in this application refers to an organized collection of data, typically stored and accessed electronically from a computer system. The database can be hosted locally (e.g., on a machine or server), or be cloud-based.

[0037] The "digital twin" used in this application refers to a digital or virtual copy of a physical item (such as a product, document, package, etc.).

[0038] The "distributed ledger" used in this application refers to a consensus of replicated, shared, and synchronized digital data that is geographically scattered across multiple locations, countries, or institutions. There is no central administrator or centralized data storage.

[0039] The "information entropy" used in this application refers to a prominent physical characteristic of an entropy configuration that serves as a unique identifier for a physical object.

[0040] The "reference image" used in this application refers to an image created when an item is produced (or marked or labeled).

[0041] The "scatter pattern" or "splash pattern" used in this application refers to a random pattern created by splashing one or more materials (such as ink, dye, pigment, adhesive, etc.) onto an item or onto a mark or label on the item.

[0042] The "trust factor" used in this application refers to the level of confidence that an item is authentic.

[0043] II. Systems and Methods for Identifying and Tracking Items

[0044] A. Information Entropy

[0045] The systems and methods described herein include one or more information entropies as a means of authenticating and tracking items such as commodities, documents, luxury product packaging, etc. In some embodiments, the information entropy is a random pattern generated during the production process of the item. In some embodiments, the random pattern refers to a splash or scatter pattern that can be read or imaged (e.g., by optical means) by applying ink and / or other materials (such as dyes, pigments, adhesives, etc.) to an object or to a label or tag adhered to the object during the production process. In other embodiments, the random pattern refers to an absorbance pattern. In some embodiments, one or more additives may be added to the material to emit electromagnetic radiation in a spectral portion outside the visible range (ultraviolet, infrared, etc.). In some embodiments, the additive causes the pattern to fluoresce or phosphoresce. Examples of such applications include printed brands, sizes, item materials, text or graphics, or combinations thereof, applied to an item (logo, image, etc.). In other embodiments, the above-mentioned pattern is generated when preparing a label or tag to be attached to an item. The materials that can be used to generate the pattern are the same as those described above, i.e., ink, dye, pigment, adhesive, etc. Once the pattern is generated, it can be imaged and stored as a reference image in a database or a distributed ledger. To confirm the authenticity of the item and track the item in the supply chain, all subsequent images will be compared with this reference image.

[0046] A variety of conventional inks can be used. For example, conventional inks for inkjet printing can be used. Such inks include, but are not limited to, dye-based or pigment-based inks. Dye-based inks generally refer to dyes dissolved in a carrier (such as an aqueous carrier), while pigment-based inks generally refer to pigment particles suspended in a carrier. Thermochromic and / or photochromic inks can be used instead of or in addition to conventional inkjet printing inks. Thermochromic ink is an ink that changes color depending on the application scenario (or heat dissipation). For reversible thermochromic ink, the color will reverse when the temperature returns to the original level. For irreversible thermochromic ink, the color remains unchanged after the temperature change. Photochromic ink is an ink that changes color when the intensity of the incident light changes. For example, under ultraviolet light irradiation, the ink will change from colorless to colored and then fade back to colorless after the light source is removed. Such inks can be used in combination with other security features described above (such as QR codes). Gloric et al. introduced the combination of QR codes and functional inks in Sensors 19, 586 (2019).

[0047] Other information entropies include the topography of an item, document, or label or tag substrate, or the topography of the material (such as ink, dye, pigment, and / or adhesive) applied to an item, document, or label or tag. For example, a random pattern of a discontinuous layer of adhesive can become a unique identification feature.

[0048] B. Imaging Means of Information Entropy

[0049] Using various techniques known in the art, the above-mentioned information entropy can be read or imaged. For example, in some embodiments, the information entropy refers to a scattering or splashing pattern, which is visually imaged using a macro lens or a microscope to capture the fine details of the scattering or splashing pattern. In some embodiments, the information entropy includes one or more additives that emit electromagnetic radiation in one or more parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. For example, in some embodiments, an excitation source can be used to excite one or more additives, and an appropriate device (such as a fluorescence microscope) can be used to image the resulting radiation emission (such as luminescence or phosphorescence).

[0050] Regardless of which imaging method is used, it should be efficient and easy to use. For example, in some embodiments, to image the information entropy, a handheld device equipped with an appropriate lens (such as a macro lens) or a microscope is used to image the information entropy. Suitable handheld devices include, but are not limited to, smartphones, tablets, application-specific devices (e.g., devices designed and produced specifically for imaging information entropy). In other embodiments, a device or equipment installed at a specific location (such as a warehouse, a shipping container, a transportation vehicle (train, ship, truck, etc.), a retail location, etc.) can be used to perform the imaging process of the information entropy. Such a device or equipment can be configured to image a large number of items. For example, it is designed to image the information entropy of items moving along a conveyor belt.

[0051] In addition to ease of use, the imaging method of the information entropy should also be fast. The information entropy should be imaged and stored within a few seconds or less, making the systems and methods described herein efficient and economically viable. In some embodiments, the time required to image the information entropy is less than 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.75, 0.5, 0.25, 0.1, 0.05, 0.025, 0.01, 0.005, 0.0025, 0.001 seconds or less. In some embodiments, the time required to image the information entropy and store the image in a database and / or a distributed ledger is less than 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.75, 0.5, 0.25, 0.1, 0.05, 0.025, 0.01, 0.005, 0.0025, 0.001 seconds or less.

[0052] C. Identification Systems and Methods

[0053] As described above, various techniques known in the art can be utilized to image information entropy. Once the information entropy is imaged, the image is stored electronically in a locally hosted or cloud-based database, or in a distributed ledger such as a blockchain. A blockchain is a series of data blocks or groups of transactions that are "linked" together and distributed among users. It serves as an immutable record of transactions without the need for an external agency to confirm the authenticity and integrity of the data. The initial image of the generated information entropy is used as a "reference image", and subsequent images are compared with these reference images for physical authentication. For example, in the case of luxury goods, one or more identifiers may be printed or stamped on the inside or on the item. When printing or stamping, the random pattern (information entropy) generated by the printing or stamping can be imaged on each item, and then the image is stored electronically for future comparison. When attempting to authenticate an item, the image obtained from the item at hand is compared with a set of reference images to confirm that the item is genuine. Similarly, as described above, marks or tags that have been printed or otherwise processed to generate a random pattern (information entropy) can be imaged, stored, and used for comparison.

[0054] In some embodiments, the image obtained from the item at hand is compared with the reference image to generate a trust coefficient, which can be derived or calculated using statistical methods. For example, in some embodiments, the system and method incorporate two or more security or anti-counterfeiting measures (a composite system). For example, in some embodiments, two or more features are serialized (e.g., RFID) and one or more information entropy (e.g., ink splashes). In one embodiment, the trust coefficient (TQ) can be calculated using the following equation:

[0055] TQ = function[(F_intrinsic),(F_extrinsic),(F_geo-temporal tracking of the digital twin),(F_tamper tracking)] divided by [system noise]

[0056] Wherein,

[0057] F_intrinsic refers to the entropy signature inherent in the material, such as complex surface topography, paper fiber orientation, etc.

[0058] F_extrinsic refers to the primary or secondary addition resulting from processing, such as inkjet droplet splashes, addition of a unique tracer (Tukan / DUST), etc.

[0059] F_DigiTwin refers to the ability to confirm / deny the given physical hierarchy sequence using tethered digital information derived from location (geo) and time (temporal), and even comprehensive social media sources (generated by tracking these digital information signatures).

[0060] The above exemplary equation provides a mathematical method for measuring kurtosis based on an order parameter derived from the spatial complexity on a tangible entity (referred to as "configurational entropy" in statistical mechanics), providing an end user with a means to quantify the confidence level regarding the authenticity of an item. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the above equation can be changed or modified as needed to account for variables in a particular system in order to calculate the trust coefficient.

[0061] The trust coefficient (TQ) reflects a comprehensive measure of variability, helping the end user to "connect the dots" throughout the life cycle of an item (production, supply chain, sales, and use). One example is the concept of a digital twin. A digital twin is a digital or virtual copy of a physical item (such as a product, document, packaging, etc.). The digital twin connects the real world and the virtual world by collecting real-time data from sensors or security features. In addition to authenticating an item by scanning it at various points in the supply chain, the systems and methods described herein can also provide geotemporal data. This is very important for items sensitive to temperature / humidity. As described in this application, the data can be scattered locally, stored centrally in the cloud, or stored in a distributed ledger (such as a blockchain). Data evaluation and simulation can be performed in the virtual copy of the asset. The data obtained from the simulation is used for the physical asset, helping to optimize the supply chain of the physical asset (e.g., exposure to high temperature and / or high humidity, location, etc.) and / or evaluate the robustness of anti-counterfeiting measures.

[0062] In some embodiments, the trust coefficient provides a certain degree or level of certainty (such as a confidence level) for an individual (such as a retailer, consumer, etc.) that the item at hand is genuine. In some embodiments, the trust coefficient is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.1%, 99.2%, 99.3%, 99.4%, 99.5%, 99.6%, 99.7%, 99.8%, 99.9%, 99.95%, 99.99% or higher.

[0063] As described above, in some embodiments, the information entropy includes or contains a scattered or splashed pattern on a mark or label attached to an item. In such an embodiment, if the mark or label is removed (intentionally or unintentionally) for the purpose of authenticating and tracking the item, the mark or label and / or the item can include additional security features. These can be referred to as composite systems.

[0064] In some embodiments, the item (or packaging or document) itself or a label or mark attached to the item contains two or more information entropies. In some embodiments, one of the IDNTROPYs is an ink splash pattern or topography.

[0065] In some embodiments, the label or tag includes an information entropy or other security feature, and the article includes another information entropy or security feature. The spatial arrangement of these features with respect to each other produces a unique signature that is lost if the tag or label is removed. An example of such a system is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0218401.

[0066] In another embodiment, the article or the tag or label includes an information entropy that includes a scatter or splash pattern or topography, and the article and the tag or label include RFID pre-laminated products having different radio frequencies. The specific pattern produced by the different frequencies is unique to the combination of the tag or label and the article. Removing or replacing the tag or label disrupts or alters the pattern. In another embodiment, the functional portion includes a security element, or the functional portion itself is a security element, which, when combined with the tag or label, can create a unique reference pattern. Removing the tag or label disrupts or alters the reference pattern. An example of such a modified functional portion is described in U.S. Patent No. 9,996,996.

[0067] In some embodiments, a composite system refers to serialization features, such as RFID, and one or more information entropies as described herein, such as ink splash patterns. An increasing number of jurisdictions require serialization as a means of tracking various commercial goods. However, as noted above, serialization can be forged. Combining serialization with one or more information entropies as described herein (such as ink splash patterns) provides a second feature that cannot be replicated while meeting the requirements of various statutes.

[0068] In other embodiments, the composite system includes a substrate topography, such as a label material (face stock, overcoat, etc.) or the surface of an article or document, combined with one or more information entropies as described herein, such as ink splash patterns. The topography and the information entropy can be imaged and stored for comparison with a reference to authenticate authenticity.

[0069] D. Articles to be authenticated

[0070] The systems and methods described herein can be used to authenticate / track various articles, including but not limited to commercial goods and documents. Examples of articles include but are not limited to clothing (such as department store brand name sweatshirts, luxury clothing, etc.), footwear, accessories (such as handbags, etc.), wine and spirits, tobacco products, pharmaceutical products and medical devices, cosmetics, fruits and vegetables, etc.

[0071] Examples of documents include documents related to complex financial transactions, including letters of credit, guarantees, bank staff and buyer acceptance certificates, inspection certificates, passes, passports, visas, driver's licenses, wills, deeds, bonds, stock certificates, and other similar items.

[0072] In some embodiments, the systems and methods can be used to reduce, minimize, or prevent the use of genuine packaging for counterfeit goods. For example, measures can be taken to provide evidence of tampering, indicating that the packaging has been tampered with and thus the contents may be counterfeit. Additionally, the packaging can include one or more unique identifiers that associate the packaging with the genuine product therein. In such embodiments, the equation for calculating TQ can include tampering / tracking variables as follows:

[0073] TQ = function[(F_intrinsic), (F_extrinsic), (F_geo-temporal tracking of the digital twin), (F_tampering tracking)] divided by [system noise]

[0074] F_intrinsic refers to the entropy signature inherent in the material, such as complex surface topography, paper fiber orientation, etc.

[0075] F_extrinsic refers to primary or secondary additions resulting from processing, such as inkjet droplet splashing, addition of unique tracers (Tukan / DUST), etc.

[0076] F_DigiTwin refers to the ability to confirm / deny a given physical rank serial number or identifier using tethered digital information derived from location (geo) and time (temporal), and even integrated social media sources (resulting from tracking the signatures of these digital information records).

[0077] The method further includes the step of verifying the history and identity of the physical object using private key and / or public key notations through a hash chain of relevant data.

[0078] Accordingly, the entire disclosures of each patent, patent application, and publication cited or described in this application are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0079] Those skilled in the art will understand that numerous changes and modifications can be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the appended claims cover all such equivalent variations that fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An article authentication method, comprising: (a) Applying one or more materials to the article or to a mark or label attached to the article, thereby creating or generating a distinctive physical feature of one or more entropy configurations as a unique identifier of the physical object, the distinctive physical feature of one or more entropy configurations being based on physical changes that occur naturally during the production process, wherein the one or more materials are selected from a group of materials consisting of inks, dyes, pigments, adhesives, or combinations thereof; wherein: The distinctive physical feature of the one or more entropy configurations includes: a scattering or splashing pattern, a pattern that emits cold light or phosphorescence; wherein the distinctive physical feature of the one or more entropy configurations is imaged using a macro lens attached to a personal device, and the scattering or splashing pattern that emits cold light or phosphorescence is imaged using a microscope attached to a personal device; and (b) Taking an initial image of the distinctive physical feature of the entropy configuration on the article or on a mark or label attached to the article as a reference image, wherein the reference image is stored in a database or a distributed ledger; Comparing two or more features of the image obtained from the article at hand with the reference image stored in the database, memory, or distributed ledger, and establishing or calculating a trust coefficient to quantify the confidence level of the authenticity of the physical object; The two or more features include the distinctive physical feature of the one or more entropy configurations and the distinctive physical feature of an additional entropy configuration, the distinctive physical feature of the additional entropy configuration being generated by a unique pattern or a combination thereof including holograms, optically variable inks, security threads, barcodes, QR codes, RFID serialization, NFC, or radio frequency signals.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The article is a commercial commodity.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, Commercial commodities are selected from a group of commodities consisting of luxury goods and clothing, accessories, music, software, drugs and medical devices, tobacco products, wines and spirits, consumer goods, toys, fresh food, and electronic products.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The one or more materials are selected from a group of materials consisting of paper, film, semiconductor chips, or combinations thereof.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The distinctive physical feature of the one or more entropy configurations is imaged by optical means.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The personal device is selected from a group of devices consisting of smartphones, tablets, or other handheld devices.

7. The method according to claim 5, wherein, The distinctive physical feature of the one or more entropy configurations is imaged using a device installed in a warehouse, aircraft, ship, train, truck, shipping container, or retail location.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The database is locally hosted.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The database is cloud-based.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The distributed ledger is a blockchain.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, In single sheet feeding or static mode, imaging and storage are completed in a roll-to-roll manner.

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising employing one or more additional anti-counterfeiting measures, tracking measures, anti-tampering label systems, or combinations thereof to form a composite system.

13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising one or more tracking measures.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the one or more tracking or anti-counterfeiting measures include serialization.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the one or more tracking or anti-counterfeiting measures include topography.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the one or more tracking or anti-counterfeiting measures include fiber patterns.