AU1073895A - Detection of counterfeit articles - Google Patents
Detection of counterfeit articlesInfo
- Publication number
- AU1073895A AU1073895A AU10738/95A AU1073895A AU1073895A AU 1073895 A AU1073895 A AU 1073895A AU 10738/95 A AU10738/95 A AU 10738/95A AU 1073895 A AU1073895 A AU 1073895A AU 1073895 A AU1073895 A AU 1073895A
- Authority
- AU
- Australia
- Prior art keywords
- optical filter
- infrared
- infrared radiation
- source
- articles
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 title description 2
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 claims description 27
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 claims description 19
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 16
- 239000004973 liquid crystal related substance Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- WFKWXMTUELFFGS-UHFFFAOYSA-N tungsten Chemical compound [W] WFKWXMTUELFFGS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 5
- 229910052721 tungsten Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000010937 tungsten Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicon Chemical compound [Si] XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 4
- 210000002858 crystal cell Anatomy 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000003331 infrared imaging Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 229910052710 silicon Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000010703 silicon Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 108010010803 Gelatin Proteins 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920000159 gelatin Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000008273 gelatin Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 235000019322 gelatine Nutrition 0.000 claims description 3
- 235000011852 gelatine desserts Nutrition 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000001228 spectrum Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000001360 synchronised effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 8
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000003384 imaging method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000035945 sensitivity Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000001429 visible spectrum Methods 0.000 description 3
- 210000004027 cell Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- ARUVKPQLZAKDPS-UHFFFAOYSA-L copper(II) sulfate Chemical compound [Cu+2].[O-][S+2]([O-])([O-])[O-] ARUVKPQLZAKDPS-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000005684 electric field Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000002329 infrared spectrum Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000004988 Nematic liquid crystal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005286 illumination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002265 prevention Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007639 printing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002310 reflectometry Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002356 single layer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
- G07D7/00—Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of valuable papers or for segregating those which are unacceptable, e.g. banknotes that are alien to a currency
- G07D7/06—Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of valuable papers or for segregating those which are unacceptable, e.g. banknotes that are alien to a currency using wave or particle radiation
- G07D7/12—Visible light, infrared or ultraviolet radiation
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Toxicology (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Inspection Of Paper Currency And Valuable Securities (AREA)
- Closed-Circuit Television Systems (AREA)
- Credit Cards Or The Like (AREA)
- Holo Graphy (AREA)
- Investigating Materials By The Use Of Optical Means Adapted For Particular Applications (AREA)
Description
DETECTION OF COUNTERFEIT ARTICLES.
This invention relates to a means of invisibly marking articles for identification and authentication purposes, particularly (but not exclusively) in the retail trade.
The counterfeiting and parallel trading of retail goods is a long standing problem in the retail industry: lost revenue, legal liability for claims and guarantees, and damage to goodwill can seriously affect a company.
The need for an effective means of combating counterfeiting has been the subject of considerable effort in the past. Perhaps the simplest and most common way of indicating the origin of goods is by the use of trade marks. Such marks, which are directed primarily at the customer, are obvious to the counterfeiter and readily lend themselves to copying. As a countermeasure some marks have become increasingly complex in design, sometimes incorporating sophisticated optical effects such as holograms, diffraction effects etc., but the determined counterfeiter has proved equal to the task of copying even the most sophisticated mark.
The use of infrared technology in the retail trade is also known. For example EP 444 331 describes the marking of an object with a code which can be scanned with infrared radiation. The code is applied using a printing ink which is colourless in the visible spectrum but absorbing in the infrared spectrum.
The above patent is primarily concerned with use on decorative packs, where a visible code would be undesirable, and with the prevention of counterfeiting of banknotes. The need for infrared scanning equipment renders the technique unsuitable for many of the circumstances which arise in the ongoing campaign against illegal trading: often it is necessary to enter premises and inspect the suspect goods and this is a potentially dangerous situation for the inspector concerned. The need for a means of covertly inspecting suspect goods is well recognised.
Under the present invention an identification mark, which is not recognisable as such under normal viewing conditions, is applied to articles and means of visually checking articles for the presence of such labels is provided. Unlike the invention described in the above referenced patent, the current invention forms a visible two dimensional image of the identification mark. The images produced can be viewed on a suitable television monitor or recorded using standard video recording equipment for future reference. Moreover, with the benefit of current technology, the imaging equipment used can be small enough to be used covertly.
According to this invention, a method of identifying articles comprises the steps of applying a label to articles and forming an image of said label with the aid of infrared imaging equipment, wherein the images so formed display features, which are not apparent on viewing the labels without the use of infrared equipment.
In a preferred embodiment the infrared imaging equipment comprises a television camera which is sensitive to radiation within the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum.
In a further preferred embodiment the television camera is of the silicon charge coupled device (CCD) type.
In a further preferred embodiment an optical filter is used to reduce the amount of visible light entering the television camera.
In a further preferred embodiment the optical filter comprises a combination of gelatin filters.
In a further preferred embodiment the optical filter comprises crossed polaroids.
In a further preferred embodiment the optical filter may be switched in and out of operation.
In a further preferred embodiment the optical filter comprises a liquid crystal cell.
In a further preferred embodiment the switching of the optical filter is synchronised to the camera frame period.
In a further preferred embodiment an artificial source of infrared radiation is used to illuminate the articles.
In a further preferred embodiment the source of infrared radiation comprises an infrared radiation emitting diode.
In a further preferred embodiment the source of infrared radiation comprises a tungsten lamp.
In a further preferred embodiment the output from the source of infrared radiation is not visible under normal viewing conditions.
In a further preferred embodiment the source of infrared radiation comprises tungsten lamp used in conjunction with an optical filter.
In addition to its use as an anticounterfeiting tool, the current invention provides a means for combating parallel trading. Information concerning the legitimate retail route for an article (eg date of manufacture, batch no., legitimate distributor or retail outlet etc.) may be secretly incorporated into a label on the article. The articles may then be examined in a retail outlet or warehouse in order to ascertain whether they have gone through a legitimate route from the factory to that outlet.
The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following figures in which:-
Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the invention.
Figures 2a and 2b show, by example, cross sections of identification marks which may be used in this embodiment.
Figure 3 is a schematic cross-section of a liquid crystal cell for use as a switchable optical filter in this embodiment.
Referring to figure 1, articles or their packaging 1 are labelled with a distinctive identification mark 2. The appearance of this mark when viewed with the aid of suitable IR imaging equipment is discernibly different to that when viewed with the unaided eye under normal lighting conditions. The label may if required contain coded information about, for example, the origin of the goods, date of manufacture etc. That component of the mark which is visible under normal lighting conditions can be incorporated into the visible features of the article or package so that it would not be obvious that a mark is present.
There are several means of devising suitable marks, for example by use of materials which are substantially transparent in the visible spectrum but absorbing, or reflecting, in the infrared (for example a thin layer of copper sulphate) . The fundamental requirement is ttfat the authentication mark is not recognisable as such to the unassisted human eye but is recognisable if irradiated with infrared radiation and viewed with the aid of suitable equipment, - in this case a CCD TV camera. Other embodiments may include some of the optical effects currently seen in the visible spectrum (eg diffraction, hologramatic etc, see for example "Principles of Optics" by M Born and E Wolf, Pergamon Press).
Articles are checked using a Pulnix model TM6 silicon CCD TV camera 3 available from Pulnix house, Aviary court, Wade Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG24 OLP, UK. The sensitivity of this device extends from the lower end of the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum (wavelength of 0.4 micrometre) into the near infrared region (up to a wavelength of 1.1 micrometer) where it is limited by the bandgap of silicon. Other imaging devices can be used if their sensitivity extends into the infrared spectrum.
The lens 4 used with this camera was an 8.5mm fl.3 item available from RS components, (stock no 625-132) P0 Box 99, Corby, Northants., NN17 9RS, UK. Any standard CCTV lens, selected to give the required range, field of view etc., and which is transparent to infrared within the wavelength range being used would be acceptable.
An optical filter 5 may be placed in the path of radiation entering the camera (most conveniently over the lens) to filter out visible radiation. In this embodiment an electronically switchable filter derived from polaroids and liquid crystal material is used. Use of a switchable filter, in conjunction with a camera sensitive to both infrared and visible radiation allows the investigator to reference the infrared images to the more familiar visible image of the article under scrutiny.
The infrared radiation which is present in the ambient lighting may be supplemented by means such as a switchable tungsten lamp 6. Covert illumination may be achieved by including a filter 7 to block out the visible component from the output of the lamp 6. In this embodiment, filter 7 was constructed using three Wratten (TM) gelatin filters: Nos. 25 (red), 58 (green) and 47B (blue).
Referring to figure 2a, authentication mark 2 comprises two layers. In this example the first layer 8 comprises a material which is absorbing in the infrared region (for example copper sulphate) and is covered by the second layer 9 which is printed in ink which is not transparent to all radiation in the visible region but transparent to infrared radiation within the sensitivity range of the camera being used. Thus under normal viewing conditions only the top layer may be seen, but with the aid of the CCD TV camera the bottom layer, which may be patterned or coded, can be imaged.
Figure 2b shows, in cross-section, a second example of an identification mark comprising a plurality of elements arranged in a single layer. One or more element 10 is formed in ink which is coloured under normal (visible) lighting but is highly transmissive to infrared radiation. If the substrate 12 is highly reflective in the infrared (for example paper) then overall there is high reflectivity of infrared radiation.
One or more element 11 is formed in ink which is coloured under normal (visible) lighting and absorbing or reflecting to infrared. The mark may blend in with the other visible features of its environment under normal viewing conditions but appears quite different when imaged using the CCD TV camera.
Referring to figure 3. switchable optical filter 5. takes the form of a liquid crystal cell. The construction of such a device is well documented (for example in Appl. Phys. Lettr. l£, 1971. pl27.) and it's usefulness in the present invention depends on the fact that whether in the blocking or transmitting state with regard to visible radiation, it remains at least partially transparent to infrared radiation of suitable wavelength (radiation in the near IR is unaffected by the Polaroid filters used in such a device) .
Two glass plates 13. held apart by spacers 14, sandwich a five micrometre layer of twisted nematic liquid crystal material E7 15 available from Merck chemical co. (formerly BDH) . The glass plates 13 are clad on their outer sides by polarisers 16a and 16b arranged so that their respective axes of polarisation are mutually perpendicular, the directions of these axes being represented by →έ > (in the plane of the page) and ^^ (normal to the plane of the page) .
The inner surfaces of the glass plates 13 are clad with electrodes which take the form of thin layers of InSnO 17- Prior to assembly these surfaces are treated so as to effect alignment of the liquid crystal molecules. This could be achieved by, for example, unidirectional rubbing. The direction of rubbing on each plate is substantially parallel with the polarisation axis of the polariser associated with that plate.
Light entering the cell substantially along the direction indicated by the arrow 18 is polarised on passing through polariser 16a. As the light then passes through the liquid crystal material 15. in the absence of an electric field, the axis of polarisation is rotated by 90° thus allowing the light to exit the cell through polariser l6b.
The presence of an electric field, applied via electrodes 17, removes this 90° rotation thus allowing no light to pass through polariser 15b.
Claims (14)
1. A method of identifying articles, comprising the steps of applying a label to articles and forming an image of said label with the aid of infrared imaging equipment, wherein the images so formed display features, which are not apparent on viewing the labels without the use of infrared equipment.
2. The method of claim 1 where the infrared imaging equipment comprises a television camera is sensitive to radiation within the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum.
3. The method of claim 2 where the television camera is of the silicon charge coupled device (CCD) type.
4. The method of claim 3 where an optical filter is used to reduce the amount of visible light entering the television camera.
5. The method of claim 4 where the optical filter comprises a combination of gelatin filters.
6. The method of claim 4 where the optical filter comprises crossed polaroids.
7. The method of claim 4 where the optical filter may be switched in and out of operation.
8. The method of claim 7 where the optical filter comprises a liquid crystal cell.
9- The method of claim 7 where the switching of the optical filter is synchronised to the camera frame period.
10. The method of claim 9 where an artificial source of infrared radiation is used to illuminate the articles.
11. The method of claim 10 where the source of infrared radiation comprises an infrared radiation emitting diode.
12. The method of claim 10 where the source of infrared radiation comprises a tungsten lamp.
13. The method of claim 10 where the output from the source of infrared radiation is not visible under normal viewing conditions.
14. The method of claim 13 where the source of infrared radiation comprises tungsten lamp used in conjunction with an optical filter.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB9324214A GB2284292A (en) | 1993-11-25 | 1993-11-25 | Detection of counterfeit articles |
GB9324214 | 1993-11-25 | ||
PCT/GB1994/002577 WO1995014944A1 (en) | 1993-11-25 | 1994-11-24 | Detection of counterfeit articles |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
AU1073895A true AU1073895A (en) | 1995-06-13 |
Family
ID=10745661
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
AU10738/95A Abandoned AU1073895A (en) | 1993-11-25 | 1994-11-24 | Detection of counterfeit articles |
Country Status (8)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0730745A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JPH09505666A (en) |
CN (1) | CN1141079A (en) |
AU (1) | AU1073895A (en) |
BR (1) | BR9408159A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2177368A1 (en) |
GB (2) | GB2284292A (en) |
WO (1) | WO1995014944A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB9408938D0 (en) * | 1994-05-03 | 2015-04-01 | Secr Defence | Covert marking apparatus |
US6655579B1 (en) | 2000-04-26 | 2003-12-02 | Eastman Kodak Company | Machine readable coded frame for personal postage |
FR2908911B1 (en) * | 2006-11-21 | 2008-12-26 | Jeux Sa Franc Des | GAME TICKET COMPRISING VALIDATION DATA, SECURING METHOD, AND OPTICAL PLAYER OF SUCH A GAME TICKET |
Family Cites Families (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CH607170A5 (en) * | 1976-10-28 | 1978-11-30 | Sodeco Compteurs De Geneve | |
DE2932962C2 (en) * | 1979-08-14 | 1982-04-08 | GAO Gesellschaft für Automation und Organisation mbH, 8000 München | Method for checking the degree of soiling of recording media, in particular bank notes |
EP0209612A1 (en) * | 1985-07-20 | 1987-01-28 | GRUNDIG E.M.V. Elektro-Mechanische Versuchsanstalt Max Grundig holländ. Stiftung & Co. KG. | Television camera |
US4869532A (en) * | 1986-10-07 | 1989-09-26 | Dainichiseika Color & Chemicals Mfg. Co., Ltd. | Prints and production method thereof |
JPH01305484A (en) * | 1988-06-03 | 1989-12-08 | Pioneer Electron Corp | Bar code system |
AU6185090A (en) * | 1989-08-23 | 1991-04-03 | Dainippon Printing Co. Ltd. | System for issuing id cards |
EP0444331A1 (en) * | 1990-02-08 | 1991-09-04 | B.V. Speciaaldrukkerij, Europrint Wildervank | Method for marking objects, and printing ink for use with this method |
DE4022822C1 (en) * | 1990-07-18 | 1991-10-24 | Heinrich Bauer Verlag, 2000 Hamburg, De | |
US5050990A (en) * | 1990-08-24 | 1991-09-24 | Xerox Corporation | Variable detector geometry for resolving and sensing apparatus for filtering and other applications |
JPH05193291A (en) * | 1992-01-16 | 1993-08-03 | Hitachi Maxell Ltd | Infrared light absorption mark printed matter |
JPH05274462A (en) * | 1992-03-27 | 1993-10-22 | Fuji Electric Co Ltd | Bar code device |
DE4300544A1 (en) * | 1993-01-12 | 1994-07-14 | Unipress Olaf Kierchner | Adhesive security label for machine-readable appts. in supermarket |
-
1993
- 1993-11-25 GB GB9324214A patent/GB2284292A/en not_active Withdrawn
-
1994
- 1994-11-24 JP JP7514916A patent/JPH09505666A/en active Pending
- 1994-11-24 AU AU10738/95A patent/AU1073895A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1994-11-24 WO PCT/GB1994/002577 patent/WO1995014944A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1994-11-24 BR BR9408159A patent/BR9408159A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1994-11-24 CN CN 94194789 patent/CN1141079A/en active Pending
- 1994-11-24 EP EP95901541A patent/EP0730745A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1994-11-24 CA CA 2177368 patent/CA2177368A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1994-11-24 GB GB9610538A patent/GB2298988A/en not_active Withdrawn
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2177368A1 (en) | 1995-06-01 |
WO1995014944A1 (en) | 1995-06-01 |
GB9324214D0 (en) | 1994-01-12 |
GB9610538D0 (en) | 1996-07-31 |
GB2284292A (en) | 1995-05-31 |
BR9408159A (en) | 1997-08-05 |
CN1141079A (en) | 1997-01-22 |
EP0730745A1 (en) | 1996-09-11 |
JPH09505666A (en) | 1997-06-03 |
GB2298988A (en) | 1996-09-18 |
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