System for certifying and authenticating authographed collectibles

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to certifying and authenticating an autographed collectible. More specifically, a method of the present disclosure includes documenting, by a processing device, a signing event, where a subject matter of a collectible signs an autograph on the collectible. The method includes obtaining, within the documenting, an identifying mark associated with the collectible, where the identifying mark corresponds to the subject matter of the collectible. The method includes placing the collectible within a holder. The method includes providing an access device to access information related to the signing event.

Description

Attorney Docket No.: T122603 1030WOSYSTEM FOR CERTIFYING AND AUTHENTICATING AUTHOGRAPHED COLLECTIBLESCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of the U.S. Provisional Application Serial Number 63 / 686,105 filed on August 22, 2024 by Applicant Technical Authentication & Grading LLC,, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to autographed collectibles, and more particularly, to certifying and authenticating an autographed collectible.BACKGROUND

[0003] Authentication of autographs on collectibles is traditionally performed manually by experts who assess signatures based on visual comparison with known exemplars. This process is prone to errors due to complexity of handwriting and changes in signature style based on various surfaces, quality and limitations of exemplars used for comparison, human error and subjectivity, or technological limitations of forensic tools.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The described aspects and the advantages thereof may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. These drawings in no way limit any changes in form and detail that may be made to theAttorney Docket No.: T122603 1030WO described aspects by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the described aspects.

[0005] FIG. 1 is a diagram that illustrates an example autographed collectible in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0006] FIG. 2 is a diagram that illustrates another example of the autographed collectible in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 3 is a diagram that illustrates an example of a code for certifying and authenticating an autographed collectible in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIGs. 4A-4C are diagrams that illustrate another example of the autographed collectible in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 5 is a block diagram that illustrates an example system in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a method for certifying and authenticating an autographed collectible in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an example of a computer system that may perform one or more of the operations described herein in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Authentication of autographs, subject matter, events, people, collectibles themselves is done manually and by alleged experts who determine by eye if the item being authenticated is authentic. Errors in the authentication of signatures or autographs occur and often affect the value of the collectible greatly.Attorney Docket No.: T122603 1030WO

[0013] Some of the factors that contribute to the errors of manual authentication of authenticating signatures or autographs include complexity of handwriting, quality of exemplars, human error, technological limitations, and / or subjectivity.

[0014] Handwriting analysis can be inherently challenging. Some signatures may be highly stylized or inconsistent, making them difficult to authenticate accurately due to factors associated with the signee like the age of the signee at the time of signing the item being authenticated, or the difference in time and age of the signee at the time when the exemplar was signed and the time when the item presently being authenticated with the use of that earlier signed exemplar. In the instance of a change in handwriting due to a factor associated with the signee like age, injury, available lighting at the time of signing, technology including artificial intelligence (Al) is also susceptible to error. Signatures often change as a result of the item signed, for example, a flat photograph, curved baseball bat, round baseball, irregular shaped football, for example. Also, the surface upon which the signature is placed i.e., smooth like glass, textured like paper, or pliable like foam.

[0015] The accuracy of authentication relies heavily on the quality of known samples (e.g., exemplars) used for comparison. To begin, an authenticator using an exemplar may question whether the exemplar is genuine and / or authentic. Poor quality or limited exemplars that are not precisely the same as the subject being authenticated with respect to time, surface signed, available lighting for the signee, texture and shape of the object being signed, and the age of signee at the time of signing, can increase the likelihood of errors and make Al authentication less likely to be without error (true and accurate authentication) than the present disclosure. Many exemplars are on collectibles preventing an accurate exemplar from which anAttorney Docket No.: T122603 1030WO accurate comparison of signatures may be made. Also, people’s signatures change over time, often from age but also from fatigue associated with repetition and / or emotional stress.

[0016] Like any forensic examination, signature authentication is subject to human error. Even experienced experts with the use of computer assistance can make mistakes, especially when dealing with ambiguous or borderline cases. Different signatures from the same person results in a heightened human error factor. While forensic tools and techniques have advanced, they are not infallible. Errors can arise from limitations in technology or the interpretation of results. Handwriting analysis often involves a degree of subjectivity. Different experts may reach different conclusions based on their interpretation of the same evidence. Sometimes subjectivity results in two “types” of signatures being authenticated like Type “A” and Type “B” on the Mickey Mantle 1952 Rookie card.

[0017] The present disclosure addresses the above-noted and other deficiencies by using a processing device to certify and authenticate an autographed collectible. The present disclosure allows for the use of Al as an initial authentication of eligibility and then to confirm authentication of an autographed collectible as further discussed herein. The present disclosure removes the uncertainty due to complexity of handwriting, quality of exemplars, human errors, technology limitations and subjectivity by documenting a signing event, where a subject matter of a collectible signs an autograph on the collectible; obtaining an identifying mark associated with the collectible, where the identifying mark corresponds to the subject matter of the collectible; placing the collectible within a holder; and providing an access device to access information related to the signing event.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a diagram 100 that illustrates an example autographed collectible. For cards, stamps, photographs and all collectibles, a live signature or autograph 106 of (a) theAttorney Docket No.: T122603 1030WO person who is the subject matter 104 of the autographed collectible 102, (b) an artist who created the subject matter or collectible 102, (c) someone who is not the subject but is nevertheless placing their signature on the collectible like a deceased person’s relative or someone associated with the event or person depicted in the subject matter may be offered with the collectible. There is no limit to who may sign the collectible including a person, animal (paw print, claw mark, lip imprint, etc., or facsimile signature (e.g., where a machine replicates a signature), where the signature is identified as a facsimile thus avoiding a purchaser being misled or otherwise believing the signature of the signee is an authentic signature signed by the signee.

[0019] When the collectible is signed it is either sealed in a holder 402, as shown for example in diagram 420 of FIG. 4C, collectible slab 110, as shown for example in diagram 100 of FIG. 1, framed, or left in its raw uncovered, unprotected state as when it may have been signed. Regardless of if, or how, it is protected, if it is to be authenticated manually, its authenticity is subject to undetectable human error or other some uncertainty. The present disclosure provides a process whereby the actual signing of the collectible provides assurance of a chain of control or custody of the collectible assuring the collectible was, in fact, actually signed identified or depicted or referenced by the subject matter or the creator, or anyone else identified respecting their relationship to the collectible of the collectible, including but not limited to an owner if provenance is part of the authentication. For example, an access device 108, as shown for example in diagram 100 of FIG. 1, may comprise at least one of a QR code, a near- field communication (NFC) device, or radio frequency identification (RFID) device or the like that is configured to route or direct a user to a remote server that is storing information related to the signing event. Diagram 300 of FIG. 3 shows an example of the access device 108 comprising a QR code 302 and the access code 112 comprising an alpha-numeric code 304. TheAttorney Docket No.: T122603 1030WOQR code 302 and the alpha-numeric code 304 may be utilized to access materials related to the documenting of the signing of the collectible stored on the remote server. The remote server may store various data related to a plurality of different signing events, such as but not limited to photographs or audio-visual recordings of the signing events. As such, to gain access to the specific information related to the signing event associated with access device 108 that corresponds with collectible 102, a certification code or access code 112 is utilized that provides access to information related to the signing event associated with the collectible 102. The information indicates that the signing was at the time and location specified within a recording (e.g., video, audio, etc.) of the signing offered through the access device (e.g., QR code, nearfield communication (NFC), radio frequency identification (RFID), or the like) on the collectible, on the holder (e.g., holder 402, collectible slab 110), or separately (e.g., paper or digital certificate) if the collectible is not placed in a holder. In some aspects, the paper certificate and / or digital certificate may comprise security measures to secure the certificates and ensure the authenticity of the collectible and reduce counterfeiting. In some aspects, the security measure of the paper certificate may comprise QR codes, holograms, watermarks, or the like. In some aspects, the security measure of the digital certificate may comprise encrypted QR codes, watermarks, or cryptographic encryption.

[0020] In instances where the collectible is placed in a holder (e.g., collectible slab 110), the access device 108 may include an NFC device or a RFID device. NFC and RFID devices may be placed within the holder to allow for real-time tracking and authentication. NFC and RFID devices may allow for ease of verification and authentication when such devices are scanned or placed in proximity to a corresponding device, such as but not limited to an NFC device or RFID scanner, which may also provide access to a blockchain record associated withAttorney Docket No.: T122603 1030WO the collectible. NFC and RFID devices may assist in tracking the location of the collectible and maintain a chain of custody, further enhancing security and traceability.

[0021] Additionally, at the time of signing, an identifying mark 202 of the subject matter of the collectible may be included somewhere on the collectible 102, its holder or attached electronically to the collectible. In an example, as shown in diagram 200 of FIG. 2, the identifying mark 202 includes a fingerprint of the subject matter 104 of the collectible 102 on the backside of the collectible 102. The actual fingerprint placement whether attached to the collectible 102, its holder (e.g., collectible slab 110, holder 402) or by electronic means may also be documented (e.g., video recorded) and accessible via the access device 108, non-fungible token (NFT), or blockchain. Access to an audio recording of the signing may also be offered thus enabling anyone with access to the access device 108 and access code 112 to hear audio of the signing event and anything that is said by the signor of the collectible 102 and / or any spectators or witnesses present at the signing event for personal or commercial purposes. In some aspects, the audio and / or video recording of the signing event may comprise a message from the signor of the collectible 102 to a purchaser or fan that may access the information related to the signing event. For example, the signor may give a verbal or non-verbal message (e.g., audio, video, written declaration, etc.) to the purchaser or future owner of the collectible 102 during the signing event, so as to allow the signor to communicate with the purchaser or fan and allow the signor to provide their own authentication of the collectible 102.

[0022] In some aspects, biometric data of the subject matter 104 of the collectible 102 or the party signing the autograph on the collectible may be collected to further verify the identity of the subject matter 104 of the collectible 102 or the party signing the autograph on the collectible 102. For example, biometric data such as but not limited to facial recognition,Attorney Docket No.: T122603 1030WO iris / retina scan, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), voice recognition, or the like may be utilized to verify the identity of the subject matter 104 of the collectible 102 or the party signing the autograph on the collectible 102. In some aspects, such biometric data may be stored in a blockchain-based system to track ownership history and provenance of the collectible 102.

[0023] In some aspects, multi-factor authentication (MFA) may be utilized for the party signing an autograph on the collectible and / or witnesses present during the signing event. For example, MFA for either the party signing the autograph 106, or the witnesses may include biometric verification (e.g., fingerprint, facial recognition, etc.) to ensure that the collectible with the autograph 106 is in fact the collectible 102 that was autographed during the signing event. In some aspects, biometric verification may be utilized for accessing the information related to the signing event, such that only authorized individuals may be granted access to sensitive authentication and signing information from the signing event.

[0024] In some aspects, artificial intelligence and / or machine learning (AI / ML) algorithms may be utilized in analyzing the autograph 106 on the collectible 102. For example, the AI / ML algorithms may improve signature verification by evaluating one or more characteristics of the autograph 106 on the collectible 102, such as but not limited to ink type, pattern recognition of the autograph, or the like.

[0025] After certification by video of the signing and / or the fingerprinting, the collectible 102 may be placed in a holder 402. In some aspects, with reference to FIGs. 4A-4C, the autographed collectible 404 may be placed in a holder 402, where a tamper-evident security measure 406 is used to seal an opening of the holder 402 to secure the autographed collectible 404 within the holder 402. The tamper- evident security measure 406 may include an identifier 408 that may include a serial number or other identifying mark that may allow for a record ofAttorney Docket No.: T122603 1030WO which tamper-evident security measure 406 was used to seal the autographed collectible 404 within the holder 402. FIG. 4A provides a diagram 400 of the holder 402. The holder 402 includes an opening to receive a collectible 404, such as a baseball card or the like. FIG. 4B provides a diagram 410 of the collectible 404 prior to being placed within the holder 402. FIG. 4C provides a diagram 420 of the tamper-evident security measure 406 to seal the collectible 404 within the holder 402.

[0026] In some aspects, the holder 402 is utilized as temporary storage until the collectible 404 can be placed within a permanent storage container, such as but not limited to collectible slab 110. The temporary storage of the collectible 404 permits off-site signings including at an event where holding the collectible 404 for extended times may be cumbersome (e.g., a baseball game or other sport event, the home of the signee, a live concert venue, an onstage performance, etc.). The present disclosure permits authentication regardless of any venue where the collectible is signed and by using the tamper-evident security measure 406, the authenticator maintains chain of control of the collectible at all times. In addition to the tamper- evident security measure 406, the authenticator can further authenticate the collectible with a high resolution image taken at the time of the signing that can be compared with the collectible being authenticated. This comparative test, performed by a computer system that analyzes the images, assures accurate authentication when the tamper evident security measure suggests possible tampering with the collectible may have occurred by using a digital fingerprint comparing the original signed collectible image with the image of the collectible where tampering is identified as a possibility.

[0027] The signed or autographed collectible, if in a holder, has a unique access device 108 and access code 112 placed on the holder (e.g., collectible slab 110). With the use of thisAttorney Docket No.: T122603 1030WO unique access device 108 and access code 112, information related to the documenting or recording of the signing event and / or placement of the identifying mark (e.g., fingerprinting) on the collectible may be accessed by anyone who has access to the access device 108 from any device that may read or communicate with the access device 108, such as but not limited to a smart phone, computer, scanner, or may access the information by typing information of the access device into a web browser or the like where the information related to the signing event of the collectible will then be shown, the video of the signature at time of signing will also be available for viewing as will the signee fingerprint, if a fingerprint is created at the signing or thereafter. If audio was recorded with the voice of the signing party and / or witnesses present, the audio may also be available. Additionally, a declaration or other legal document may be signed by the signing party stating that they were the party to sign the collectible identified by the code. In some aspects, a declaration, attestation, or the like, may be signed by the videographer or other parties present that assisted with documenting of the signing event, or any other witnesses present at the time of the signing. In the event the subject matter is a pet or animal (e.g., dog, cat, bird, iguana, etc.), the declaration from the owner / handler of the pet or animal may be provided. These declarations and any other support documents such as video recordings of background, declarations of others present or means of identifying date, if not on the collectible itself (e.g., a signed event ticket, a newspaper indicating the date, etc.), may be used as supporting authentication and related aspects of the collectible. At least one advantage of the disclosure is the elimination for the purchaser or potential owner of a signed collectible to rely on a third party for authentication, based at least on the ability to access information related to the signing event.

[0028] In some aspects, to enhance transparency and security, a blockchain-based system may be utilized that tracks ownership history and provenance of the collectible, where suchAttorney Docket No.: T122603 1030WO information is stored on a database. In some aspects, the ownership history and the provenance of the collectible may be accessed based on the access device 108 and access code 112.Information related to the authentication of the collectible, including the signing event, ownership transfers, and any modifications, may be recorded on the blockchain-based system. The blockchain-based system provides a verifiable chain of custody for the lifetime of the collectible.

[0029] In some aspects, smart contracts may be utilized for authenticity and ownership transfers. For example, smart contracts may be utilized to automate authenticity verification or to enforce transfer of ownership. Smart contracts may ensure seamless and transparent transfers of ownership without manual intervention.

[0030] In some aspects, metadata associated with the collectible and / or information related to the signing event may be collected for archival purposes. For example, metadata associated with the collectible and / or the information related to the signing event, such as but not limited to video recordings, images, biometric data, and signature characteristics may be collected to ensure the preservation of data related to the collectible and / or the information related to the signing event for future authentication needs.

[0031] In some aspects, the information related to the signing event may be processed and used to generate an interactive experience. For example, the information related to the signing event may be used to generate an interactive augmented reality (AR) and / or virtual reality (VR) experience that allows users to experience the signing event or examine the information related to the signing event in an AR / VR immersive experience. The AR / VR immersive experience may provide an enhanced level of detail of the information related to the signing event, which may enhance the user experience and engagement.Attorney Docket No.: T122603 1030WO

[0032] FIG. 5 is a block diagram 500 that illustrates a computing device 502 in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure. The computing device 502 includes a memory 506 and a processing device 504. The processing device 504 may be operatively coupled to the memory 506.

[0033] The processing device 504 documents a signing event 503, where a subject matter of a collectible signs an autograph 508 on the collectible. The processing device 504 obtains an identifying mark 510 (e.g., fingerprint) associated with the collectible, where the identifying mark corresponds to the subject matter of the collectible. The collectible is placed within a holder. The processing device 504 provides an access device 512 to access information 514 related to the signing event 503.

[0034] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a method 600 for certifying and authenticating an autographed collectible in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure. The method 600 may be performed by processing logic that may comprise hardware (e.g., circuitry, dedicated logic, programmable logic, a processor, a processing device, a central processing unit (CPU), a system-on-chip (SoC), etc.), software (e.g., instructions running / executing on a processing device), firmware (e.g., microcode), or a combination thereof. In some aspects, the method 600 may be performed by a computing device (e.g., computing device 502 in FIG. 5).

[0035] At block 602, a processing device (of a device) documents a signing event, where a subject matter of a collectible signs an autograph on the collectible. In an example, the device may be the computing device 502. In an example, the subject matter of the collectible may be the subject matter 104. In an example, the collectible may be the collectible 102. In an example, the autograph may be autograph 106.Attorney Docket No.: T122603 1030WO

[0036] At block 604, the processing device, obtains an identifying mark associated with the collectible, where the identifying mark corresponds to the subject matter of the collectible. In an example, the identifying mark may be the identifying mark 202.

[0037] At block 606, the collectible is place within a holder. In some aspects, the holder may be a semi-rigid protective sleeve or a rigid protective slab. In an example, the holder may be the collectible slab 110 or the holder 402.

[0038] At 608, the processing device, provides a code to access information related to the signing event. In an example, the code may be the access device 108 or the QR code 302.

[0039] In some aspects, the collectible having the autograph signed by the subject matter of the collectible and / or at least one of the identifying marks 202 (e.g., fingerprint, or any other identification mark) is placed within a protective holder, where the protective holder is a permanent storage for the collectible. In an example, the protective holder may be the collectible slab 110.

[0040] In some aspects, the identifying mark is distinct from the autograph. For example, the identifying mark may comprise a fingerprint of the subject matter of the collectible. In some aspects, the identifying mark may comprise one or more fingerprints of the subject matter of the collectible. In some aspects, the identifying mark may comprise at least a fingerprint or other identifying feature (e.g., lip prints) associated with the subject matter imprinted onto the collectible. In some aspects, the identifying mark associated with the collectible is applied onto the collectible or a packaging associated with the collectible.

[0041] In some aspects, the autograph is on a first surface of the collectible, where the identifying mark associated with the collectible is applied onto the first surface of the collectible or a second surface of the collectible. In some aspects, the autograph is on a first surface of theAttorney Docket No.: T122603 1030WO collectible and the identifying mark associated with the collectible is applied onto a packaging associated with the collectible.

[0042] In some aspects, the holder is a temporary storage of the collectible, where the holder includes a tamper-evident security measure includes at least one of an identification number or an identifying mark to detect unauthorized removal of the tamper-evident security measure. The collectible may be placed in the holder as the temporary storage while the collectible until the collectible is placed in a holder that is a permanent storage. For example, the signed collectible may be placed in the holder as the temporary storage shortly after the collectible is signed in order to protect the collectible until the collectible is placed in a holder that is intended to be a permanent storage of the collectible. In some aspects, the information related to the signing event includes at least one of an audio-visual recording, an audio recording, a video recording, photographs, or sworn declarations of witnesses present at the signing event. For example, if an audio and / or video recording was not able to be taken of the signing event, sworn declarations of the witnesses present at the signing event may attest to the fact that the collectible was indeed signed by the subject matter of the collectible. In some aspects, the access device and access code provide access to the information related to the signing event. In some aspects, the access device may comprise a QR code, a website link, or a means of accessing a remote server storing the information related to the signing event, while the access code provides access of the information related to the signing event on the remote server. In some aspects, the access device may comprise an NFC device, RFID device, or the like to allow access to the information related to the signing event on the remote server. In some aspects, the access device is on the protective holder, where the access code provides access to additional information related to the subject matter of the collectible. In some aspects, the additional informationAttorney Docket No.: T122603 1030WO related to the subject matter of the collectible comprises at least advertising content related to the collectible, one or more messages from parties related to the signing event, or music related to the signing event.

[0043] FIG. 7 illustrates a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the example form of a computer system 700 within which a set of instructions, for causing the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein for certifying and authenticating an autographed collectible. More specifically, the machine may document, by a processing device, a signing event, where a subject matter of a collectible signs an autograph on the collectible; obtain, within the documenting, an identifying mark associated with the collectible, wherein the identifying mark corresponds to the subject matter of the collectible; place the collectible within a holder; and provide an access device to access information related to the signing event.

[0044] In alternative aspects, the machine may be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines in a local area network (LAN), an intranet, an extranet, or the Internet. The machine may operate in the capacity of a server or a client machine in a client-server network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. The machine may be a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a web appliance, a server, a network router, a switch or a bridge, a hub, an access point, a network access control device, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. Further, while only a single machine is illustrated, the term “machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein. In one aspect, the computer system 700 may be representative of a server.Attorney Docket No.: T122603 1030WO

[0045] The computer system 700 includes a processing device 702, a main memory 704 (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a static memory 706 (e.g., flash memory, static random access memory (SRAM), etc.), and a data storage device 718, which communicate with each other via a bus 730. Any of the signals provided over various buses described herein may be time multiplexed with other signals and provided over one or more common buses. Additionally, the interconnection between circuit components or blocks may be shown as buses or as single signal lines. Each of the buses may alternatively be one or more single signal lines and each of the single signal lines may alternatively be buses.

[0046] The computer system 700 may further include a network interface device 708 which may communicate with a network 720. The computer system 700 also may include a video display unit 710 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT)), an alphanumeric input device 712 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device 714 (e.g., a mouse), and a signal generation device 715 (e.g., a speaker). In one example, the video display unit 710, the alphanumeric input device 712, and the cursor control device 714 may be combined into a single component or device (e.g., an LCD touch screen).

[0047] The processing device 702 represents one or more general-purpose processing devices such as a microprocessor, a central processing unit, or the like. More particularly, the processing device 702 may be a complex instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computer (RISC) microprocessor, a very long instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor, or a processor implementing other instruction sets, or processors implementing a combination of instruction sets. The processing device 702 may also be one or more specialpurpose processing devices such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a fieldAttorney Docket No.: T122603 1030WO programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal processor (DSP), a network processor, or the like. The processing device 702 is configured with document instructions 725, for performing the operations and steps discussed herein. For example, the document instructions 725 may include instructions for certifying and authenticating an autographed collectible.

[0048] The data storage device 718 may include a machine-readable storage medium 728 storing document instructions 725 (e.g., software) embodying any one or more of the methodologies of functions described herein. The document instructions 725 may also reside, completely or partially, within the main memory 704 or within the processing device 702 during execution thereof by the computer system 700; the main memory 704 and the processing device 702 also constituting machine-readable storage media. The document instructions 725 may further be transmitted or received over the network 720 via the network interface device 708.

[0049] The machine-readable storage medium 728 may also be used to store the document instructions 725 to perform a method for certifying and authenticating an autographed collectible, as described herein. While the machine-readable storage medium 728 is shown in an exemplary aspect to be a single medium, the term “machine-readable storage medium” should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. A machine- readable storage medium includes any mechanism for storing information in a form (e.g., software, processing application) readable by a machine (e.g., a computer). The machine- readable storage medium may include, but is not limited to, a magnetic storage medium (e.g., floppy diskette), an optical storage medium (e.g., CD-ROM), a magneto-optical storage medium, a read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), erasable programmable memoryAttorney Docket No.: T122603 1030WO(e.g., EPROM and EEPROM), flash memory, or another type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions.

[0050] The network may be a public network (e.g., the internet), a private network (e.g., a local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN)), or a combination thereof. In one example, the network may include a wired or a wireless infrastructure, which may be provided by one or more wireless communications systems, such as a WiFi™ hotspot connected with the network and / or a wireless carrier system that can be implemented using various data processing equipment, communication towers (e.g., cell towers), etc. The network may carry communications (e.g., data, message, packets, frames, etc.) between the computing devices. The computing device may include hardware such as a processing device (e.g., processors, central processing units (CPUs)), memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM), storage devices (e.g., a hard-disk drive (HDD)), and solid-state drives (SSD), etc.), and other hardware devices (e.g., a sound card, a video card, etc.). A storage device may include a persistent storage that is capable of storing data. A persistent storage may be a local storage unit or a remote storage unit.Persistent storage may be a magnetic storage unit, optical storage unit, solid state storage unit, electronic storage units (main memory), or similar storage unit. Persistent storage may also be a monolithic / single device or a distributed set of devices.

[0051] The computing device may include any suitable type of computing device or machine that has a programmable processor including, for example, server computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, tablet computers, smartphones, set-top boxes, etc. In some examples, the computing device may include a single machine or may include multiple interconnected machines (e.g., multiple servers configured in a cluster). The computing device may be implemented by a common entity / organization or may be implemented by differentAttorney Docket No.: T122603 1030WO entities / organizations. The computing device may each execute or include an operating system (OS), as discussed in more detail below. The OS of computing device may manage the execution of other components (e.g., software, applications, etc.) and / or may manage access to the hardware (e.g., processors, memory, storage devices etc.) of the computing device.

[0052] The preceding description sets forth numerous specific details such as examples of specific systems, components, methods, and so forth, in order to provide a good understanding of several aspects of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that at least some aspects of the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known components or methods are not described in detail or are presented in simple block diagram format in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Thus, the specific details set forth are merely exemplary. Particular aspects may vary from these exemplary details and still be contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0053] Additionally, some aspects may be practiced in distributed computing environments where the machine-readable medium is stored on and or executed by more than one computer system. In addition, the information transferred between computer systems may either be pulled or pushed across the communication medium connecting the computer systems.

[0054] Aspects of the claimed subject matter include, but are not limited to, various operations described herein. These operations may be performed by hardware components, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0055] Although the operations of the methods herein are shown and described in a particular order, the order of the operations of each method may be altered so that certain operations may be performed in an inverse order or so that certain operation may be performed,Attorney Docket No.: T122603 1030WO at least in part, concurrently with other operations. In another aspect, instructions or suboperations of distinct operations may be in an intermittent or alternating manner.

[0056] The above description of illustrated implementations of the invention, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. While specific implementations of, and examples for, the invention are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. The words “example” or “exemplary” are used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the words “example” or “exemplary” is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or”. That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, “X includes A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X includes A; X includes B; or X includes both A and B, then “X includes A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Moreover, use of the term “an aspect” or “one aspect” or “an implementation” or “one implementation” throughout is not intended to mean the same aspect or implementation unless described as such. Furthermore, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” etc. as used herein are meant as labels to distinguish among different elements and may not necessarily have an ordinal meaning according to their numerical designation. Unless specifically stated otherwise, terms such as “documenting,” “obtaining,”Attorney Docket No.: T122603 1030WO“placing,” “providing,” or the like, refer to actions and processes performed or implemented by computing devices that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computing device's registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computing device memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices.

[0057] It will be appreciated that variants of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into may other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims. The claims may encompass aspects in hardware, software, or a combination thereof.

[0058] The following examples are illustrative only and may be combined with other examples or teachings described herein, without limitation.

[0059] Example 1 is a method for authenticating an autographed collectible, including: documenting, by a processing device, a signing event, wherein a subject matter of a collectible signs an autograph on the collectible; obtaining, within the documenting, an identifying mark associated with the collectible, wherein the identifying mark corresponds to the subject matter of the collectible; placing the collectible within a holder; and providing an access device to access information related to the signing event.

[0060] Example 2 is the method of example 1 , where the identifying mark is distinct from the autograph.Attorney Docket No.: T122603 1030WO

[0061] Example 3 is the method of any of examples 1-2, where the identifying mark comprises a fingerprint of the subject matter of the collectible.

[0062] Example 4 is the method of any of examples 1-3, where the identifying mark associated with the collectible is applied onto the collectible or a packaging associated with the collectible.

[0063] Example 5 is the method of any of examples 1 -4, where the autograph is on a first surface of the collectible, wherein the identifying mark associated with the collectible is applied onto the first surface of the collectible or a second surface of the collectible.

[0064] Example 6 is the method of any of examples 1-5, where the autograph is on a first surface of the collectible, where the identifying mark associated with the collectible is applied onto a packaging associated with the collectible.

[0065] Example 7 is the method of any of examples 1 -6, where the holder is a temporary storage for the collectible, wherein the holder includes a tamper-evident security measure that includes at least one of an identification number or an identifying mark to detect unauthorized removal of the tamper-evident security measure.

[0066] Example 8 is the method of any of examples 1 -7, where the information related to the signing event includes at least one of an audio-visual recording, an audio recording, a video recording, photographs, or sworn declarations of witnesses present at the signing event.

[0067] Example 9 is the method of any of examples 1-8, further including placing the collectible having the autograph signed by the subject matter of the collectible and at least the identifying mark within a permanent storage, wherein the holder is the permanent storage for the collectible.Attorney Docket No.: T122603 1030WO

[0068] Example 10 is the method of example 9, where the access device and an access code are on the holder, wherein the access device and the access code provide access to additional information related to the subject matter of the collectible.

[0069] Example 11 is the method of any of examples 9-10, wherein the access device comprises at least one of a QR code, an NFC device, or RFID device to access the information related to the signing event, where the access code is utilized to gain access to a remote server storing the information related to the signing event.

[0070] Example 12 is the method of any of examples 10-11, where the additional information related to the subject matter of the collectible comprises at least advertising content related to the collectible, one or more messages from parties related to the signing event, or music related to the signing event.

[0071] Example 13 is an apparatus for wireless communication for implementing a method as in any of examples 1-12.

[0072] Example 14 is an apparatus for wireless communication including means for implementing a method as in any of examples 1-12.

[0073] Example 15 is a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer executable code, the code when executed by a processor causes the processor to implement a method as in any of examples 1-12.

[0074] Example 16 is a computer program product for implementing a method as in any of examples 1-12.

Claims

Attorney Docket No.: T122603 1030WOCLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A method for authenticating an autographed collectible, comprising: documenting, by a processing device, a signing event, wherein a subject matter of a collectible signs an autograph on the collectible; obtaining, within the documenting, an identifying mark associated with the collectible, wherein the identifying mark corresponds to the subject matter of the collectible; placing the collectible within a holder; and providing an access device to access information related to the signing event.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the identifying mark is distinct from the autograph.

3. The method of any of claims 1 -2, wherein the identifying mark comprises a fingerprint of the subject matter of the collectible.

4. The method of any of claims 1-3, wherein the identifying mark associated with the collectible is applied onto the collectible or a packaging associated with the collectible.

5. The method of any of claims 1-4, wherein the autograph is on a first surface of the collectible, wherein the identifying mark associated with the collectible is applied onto the first surface of the collectible or a second surface of the collectible.

6. The method of any of claims 1-5, wherein the autograph is on a first surface of the collectible, wherein the identifying mark associated with the collectible is applied onto a packaging associated with the collectible.

7. The method of any of claims 1-6, wherein the holder is a temporary storage for the collectible, wherein the holder includes a tamper-evident security measure that includes at least one of an identification number or the identifying mark to detect unauthorized removal of the tamper-evident security measure.Attorney Docket No.: T122603 1030WO8. The method of any of claims 1-7, wherein the information related to the signing event includes at least one of an audio-visual recording, an audio recording, a video recording, photographs, or sworn declarations of witnesses present at the signing event.

9. The method of any of claims 1-8, wherein placing the collectible in the holder, further comprising: placing the collectible having the autograph signed by the subject matter of the collectible and at least the identifying mark within a permanent storage, wherein the holder is the permanent storage for the collectible.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the access device and an access code are on the holder, wherein the access device and the access code provide access to additional information related to the subject matter of the collectible.

11. The method of any of claims 9-10, wherein the access device comprises at least one of a QR code, a near-field communication (NFC) device, or radio frequency identification (RFID) device to access the information related to the signing event, wherein the access code is utilized to gain access to a remote server storing the information related to the signing event.

12. The method of any of claims 10-11, wherein the additional information related to the subject matter of the collectible comprises at least advertising content related to the collectible, one or more messages from parties related to the signing event, or music related to the signing event.

13. A system for authenticating an autographed collectible, comprising: a memory; and a processing device operatively coupled to the memory, the processing device to: document, by the processing device, a signing event, wherein a subject matter of a collectible signs an autograph on the collectible; obtain an identifying mark associated with the collectible, wherein the identifying mark corresponds to the subject matter of the collectible;Attorney Docket No.: T122603 1030WO place the collectible within a holder; and provide an access device to access information related to the signing event.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the collectible having the autograph signed by the subject matter of the collectible and at least the identifying mark is placed within a permanent storage, wherein the holder is the permanent storage for the collectible.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon which, when executed by a processing device, cause the processing device to: document, by the processing device, a signing event, wherein a subject matter of a collectible signs an autograph on the collectible; obtain an identifying mark associated with the collectible, wherein the identifying mark corresponds to the subject matter of the collectible; place the collectible within a holder; and provide an access device to access information related to the signing event.