GB2454035A

GB2454035A - Identification tag using natural feature identification

Info

Publication number: GB2454035A
Application number: GB0804723A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ian Smith; Anthony Furness
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-10-25
Filing date: 2008-03-14
Publication date: 2009-04-29
Anticipated expiration: 2028-03-14
Also published as: GB2453992A; GB0804723D0; GB0720959D0; GB2454035B; WO2009053756A1

Abstract

An identification tag 10 features a label 12 affixed to a fabric 14 by adhesive. The label 14 includes a window 16, through which an area of fabric is exposed. Within the window area, a unique image of naturally occurring features of the fabric surface is taken, such as with a laser scanning device. Subsequent images can be taken of the same area, and compared to a stored master scan, for identification and anti-counterfeiting purposes. The label 14 may be used, for example, on items of clothing.

Description

IDENTIFICATION ARRANGEMENT

The present invention relates to an identification tag and a method of product identification and brand protection in order to detect and identify counterfeit goods. The present invention also relates to a product identification arrangement and a method of forming an identification arrangement for a flexible article in particular, although not exclusively to an article of fabric or including fabric.

Counterfeit products are a costly and damaging global problem. Internet trading has significantly added to this due to its extensive consumer reach, the often long distances between vendors and purchasers, and the ease of electronic purchase.

While it is difficult to put a precise figure on the market' for counterfeit goods it is without doubt in excess of 500 billion. The First Global Congress on Combating Counterfeiting in May 2004 suggested that the international trade in counterfeit products exceeds 6% of global trade. Added to this is the impact it has upon society and the global economy, including too the cost of policing the problem.

Counterfeiting is not anymore simply confined to classic examples such as imitation watches, fashion items and what might otherwise be described as luxury goods, damaging as these may be. It now extends to all manner of consumer goods, including items of food and drink, vehicle and aircraft spare parts, pharmaceuticals and medicines, cosmetics, works of art, CDs, DVDs, software and even fuels and fertilisers. Fashion items are a further area of considerable concern with brand damage being a significant component in this respect.

Accordingly, various uniquely identifiable tags have been used in order to combat counterfeiting. For instance, tags such as complicated labels, barcodes, holograms and RFID tags have all been utilised. However, previous tags have not eliminated counterfeiting due in part because the tags can all be copied by replication and/or can be removed from a genuine article and used in the counterfeit article.

However, a recent development in the field of

automatic identification has used natural features of an item to produce or to create a "fingerprint" of the product. Natural feature identification covers a range of techniques for devising signals or signatures representative of a physical entity and suitable for identifying the entity. Thus the unique surface features of the entity are used in the identification process.

There are several technologies used for natural surface identification involving an optical recording of the surfaces micro structure. Whilst it is envisaged that any natural feature identification process can be used, the invention will be herein described using, for example, laser surface authentication LSA technique, which is a special scanning process based on the laser speckle phenomenon.

LSA is discussed in detail in JDR Buchanan et al (2005) "Fingerprinting" Documents and Packaging, Nature, Vol. 436, 28 July 2005, the contents of which are hereby incorporated. As an overview however, a laser is used to irradiate a surface and the diffusely scattered light is recorded by a set of four photo detectors at various angles relative to the incident beam. The speckle pattern signals are processed and digitised to create a uniquely identifiable record of the surface component irradiated, much like a fingerprint. The surface characteristics cannot be generated artificially.

LSA can therefore be used to authenticate a product.

For example a scan of the product or packaging is taken prior to the product leaving a manufacturer's plant and the scan is recorded on a database. At some point later in the supply chain, the product or packaging can be re-scanned and the scan compared to the original, master template. If the scan corresponds to the master, the product is proved as a genuine article and that it is not a fake.

Using natural feature identification as an authentification method for products provides a forgery-proof authentification method since the image is unique to the product and it is not possible to replicate the pattern.

However, natural feature identification, based upon surface or other constituent micro-features is a feature set that (1) has sufficient degrees of freedom to allow identification signatures to be derived that exhibit to a high degree of statistical confidence that the item concerned is essentially unique and (2) stable with respect to time and measurement conditions, and thus allow consistent identification. Thus it will be appreciated that the signature produced is dependent on the location scanned. For instance, the same piece of paper will have a different micro structure and therefore a different speckle pattern in one area as compared to another.

Moreover, if the area scanned changes in any way, requirement (2) is not met and consequently the master and reference scans cannot correspond.

Furthermore, if there are a large number of master scans stored on a database it can take some time for a comparison to be made between the scan and each master.

It is an object of the present invention to attempt to overcome at least one of the above or other disadvantages.

It is a further aim of the present invention to provide and identification tag for areas that may change due to freedom of fibres or other surface structures to move.

According to the present invention there is provided an arrangement and method as set forth in the appended claims and elsewhere in this specification. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent

claims, and the description which follows.

In one aspect of the present invention there is provided an identification tag suitable for fabrics and other flexible fibrous materials. The identification tag may comprise a rigid label affixed to a flexible article to be identified. The label may be affixed to the flexible article by securing means. The rigid label and securing means may combine to stabilise an area of the flexible fibrous substrate. The label includes a window.

The stabilised area corresponds to an area visible through the window. Consequently, the identification tag stabilises the fabric such that a repeatable reading may be taken. The window may also act as a location identifier so that a natural feature identification reading of the stabilised area's microstructure can be taken for identification purposes. Because the window is fixed relative to the flexible substrates surface microstructure, the window also enables a master scan and a subsequent reference scan to be of precisely the same area.

In the exemplary embodiments, the securing means comprises adhesive. The adhesive fills the window defined in the label. The adhesive is transparent to the natural feature identification recording. The adhesive is located substantially under the area of the label. A further transparent protective layer may be applied over the label. The transparent protective layer is also transparent to the natural feature identification measurement and protects the label from damage.

The window provides a marking means. The marking means being arrangeable to enable a master scan to be in the same region as a reference scan.

The marking means may include a marking defining an end of a region to be scanned, the marking having a different surface micro structure to the surface micro structure that is arranged, in use, to be scanned. The marking means may include a marking defining both ends of the region to be scanned, each marking having a different micro structural surface to the surface micro structure that is arranged, in use, to be scanned. The marking means may be arranged to align a scanner in at least two transverse directions. The marking means may include at least one marking having a different surface micro structure to the micro structure that is arranged, in use, to be scanned, the marking extending at an angle other than 0, or 900 to a line that a scanner is arranged, in use, to repeatedly scan. At least two markings may each have a different surface micro structure to the surface micro structure that is arranged, in use, to be scanned, each marking being spaced from each other and each extending at an angle other than Q0 or 90° to a line that a scanner is arranged, in use, to scan. The two markings may be provided by the opposite edges of an area having a different surface micro structure to the surface micro structure that is arranged, in use, to be scanned. The at least two markings may be spaced from each other along a line that a scanner is arranged, in use, to scan by the surface micro structure of the product that is arranged, in use, to be scanned, each spaced marking having at least one edge that extends at an angle other than 00 or 90° to a line that a scanner is arranged, in use, to scan. At least one of the two spaced markings may have two edges spaced from each other in the direction that a scanner is arranged, in use, to scan with each spaced edge extending at an angle other than 0° or 900 to a line that a scanner is arranged, in use, to scan. Each spaced marking may include two edges spaced from each other in the direction that a scanner is arranged, in use, to scan with each spaced edge extending at an angle other than 0° or 90° to a line that a scanner is arranged, in use, to scan.

In the exemplary embodiments, the natural feature identification reading is taken by a scanner. Preferably, there is a frame associated with the scanner, in which, in use, the frame assists in aligning and taking the reading scan. The scanner may be movable in at least one direction relative to the frame.

In the exemplary embodiments, the identification comprises comparing a master scan with a reference scan.

At least one of the master or reference scan may be a line scan. Both the master and the reference scans may be line scans. At least one of the master or reference scans may comprise an area that gives a reading of the micro surface structure in two transverse directions. Both the master and the reference scan may comprise areas that give readings of the micro surface structure in two transverse directions. Control means may be arranged, in use, to reorientate the reference scan relative to the master scan, if necessary, to affect a better match between the master and reference scan. Preferably the identification tag may include at least one machine readable indicator that may be arranged, when read, to give an indication of where in a store of scans the scan of the surface micro structure is located. The indicator may be a 2D code symbol or additionally or alternatively an RFID tag. The indicator may be arranged to give an indication of the precise location of where a stored scan of the surface micro structure is located.

The identification tag may be used in combination with a database, the database being arranged to store a scan of the surface micro structure, and means for comparing subsequent scan or scans of the same surface micro structure with the stored scan. Information means may be arranged to give information of comparisons that have been made. The information may comprise any one or more of the time of a comparison or comparisons, the location or locations from where the comparison was made or the number of comparisons made. Preferably, at least one of the scans may be arranged to be effected by optical means.

The optical means may be a two-dimensional image capture device, such as a camera or optical sensor array. The same optical means may be arranged, in use, to make the master or reference scan and to read the indicator.

In the exemplary embodiments, the rigid label comprises a distinctive shape, such as a 2 or 3-dimensional trade mark in order to increase the recognisability of the identification tag.

According to a further aspect, there is provided a method of forming an identification tag and a method of identifying a textile substrate.

Preferably the identification tag is substantially as herein described. The method may comprises taking a master scan of a surface micro structure and subsequently taking a reference scan of the same region as the master scan using marking means. The method may comprise aligning a scanner in two orthogonal directions in relation to the surface micro structure, and the alignment may be effected using the marking means. It may comprise defining an end region of the surface micro structure using the marking means. The method may comprise reading an indicator associated with the product and using that reading to obtain an indication of where a stored scan of the surface micro structure is located. It may comprise scanning the surface micro structure of a product on the packaging of a product. The method may comprise storing information of the master scan and comparing information from the reference scan with the stored master scan thereby obtaining an identification of the authenticity of the product. The method may comprise reorientating the information from the reference scan relative to the master scan, if necessary, to effect a closer match between the scans.

The present invention can be put into practice in various ways, however, several embodiments will now be described, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a top view of an identification tag.

Figure 2 is a top view of an alternative identification tag.

Figure 2b is a side view of Figure 2.

Figure 3 is a view of a window structure for use on the identification tag.

Figure 4 is a top view of another identification tag.

As shown in Figure 1, an identification tag 10 comprises a label 12 affixed to a flexible substrate 14.

The identification tag 10 is preferably rigid but it may also be pliable providing the flexible substrate is not changeable once the tag is applied and providing also that the reading is able to be taken of the same area. For ease of understanding the label is described below as being rigid. Alternatively or additionally the pliable layer or rigidity may be effected by the adhesive.

Suitably, the flexible substrate is a flexible consumer article such as a garment and the rigid label is a disc of metal or plastic.

The rigid label 12 includes a window 16 formed therethrough. The window allows a natural surface identification reading to be taken of the exposed area of the flexible substrate under the window. Thus the window is transparent to the reading and in the embodiments is shown as an aperture in the rigid label 12.

The rigid label 12 is affixed to the flexible substrate 14 such that it stabilises the flexible substrate exposed by the window. As shown in Figure 2b, adhesive 18 is used. The adhesive is applied under the rigid label in order to adhere it to the flexible substrate. The adhesive fills the window 16 and may also penetrate part of the substrate when the substrate is a fabric. Accordingly the adhesive 18 stabilises the flexible substrate's fibres, and particularly, the flexible substrates fibres under the window. Because the adhesive 18 fills the window 16, the adhesive is also transparent to the natural surface identification reading.

By "adhesive" any material that at least is able to fix the surface fibres in position is included.

Referring back to Figure 1, the identification tag 10 is formed by securing the rigid label to a suitable portion of the flexible substrate. At a suitable point in the production/distribution/supply chain a master natural feature identification scan is then taken. The master scan records details of the position of the master scan relative to the window's 16 boundary. This master scan is recorded on a database. At a later time, when the genuineness of the flexible substrate is to be read, a reference scan is taken. The reference scan uses the relationship between the master scan and the window's boundary to ensure that the exact same area is scanned.

Because the identification tag stabilises the flexible substrate, repeatable readings may be taken.

A transparent covering layer 19 may be applied over the label 12 in order to protect it from scratches and other hermetic degradation.

As shown in Figure 2a, the rigid label 12 includes an indicator comprising readable information. Here, the indicator is shown as a readable bar code 20 and a Radio Frequency Identification Tag (RFID Tag) 22. It will be appreciated that the indicator could comprise a bar code or RFID tag on their own or could comprise other known mediums. The indicator carries code to indicate which natural feature identification technique is being used and code to indicate any processing or other features that have to be applied in processing to obtain identification signatures'. The location may comprise a number of different scans all located in a group or may comprise the precise location of the master scan in a database.

The bar code 20 may be printed on to the label as is well known in the art. The bar code may contain signature' location data. Other bar code or 2D code symbols may be printed on the label to carry other non-location data. The bar code 20 is read in a well known manner such as a bar code scanner. The RFID tag is readable in any well-known manner and contains a code relating to the position of a master scan within a relevant database.

Accordingly, when the reference scan in being taken, the location of the master scan within the database is can also be read from the RFID tag. The reference scan is then checked against this master scan. If the two correspond the product is known to be genuine. The check is performed in a secure manner within the host system containing the database. As the reference scan needs to only be compared to the location in the database given by the indicator, the comparison can be completed in reduced processing time as the complete database does not have to be searched. The tolerance levels of the comparison may be increased or reduced, as desired.

Still referring to Figure 2a, the window is shown as comprising a plurality of apertures 26. Suitably, three apertures 26 are provided. The apertures 26 are separated by areas 28 of the rigid label 12 having truncated sides (i.e. a trapezoid section).

After applying the label 12 where the flexible substrate 14 is known to be genuine, a scan is taken of the natural micro structure of the surface of the substrate 14. For instance, a laser scanner of a LSA apparatus is arranged in position relative to the window 16 using positional markers 30. The markers 30 comprise cross-hair markings or other structures on the label. The markers 30 enable the scanner to be precisely aligned to the label. For instance the scanner may include a frame with registration marks or apertures or other location structures that enable the scanner to be placed repeatedly over the same area. Additionally, the scanner may be movably mounted within the frame such that fine alignment can be completed automatically by the laser or other optical means registering with the markers 14 or truncated portion or both. Alternatively, the location of the markers can be identified by marking means comprising other sensing means.

Once located a scan or reading of the speckle pattern generated by the laser reflecting off the surface of the product or packaging can be taken and recorded. The scan includes the details of the truncated portion 28 and records its location relative to the reading. This master scan is stored in a database in a position relating to the code given by the RFID tag. Scan features arising from the window's boundary can be used to uniquely link the label to the item or product to which the label is attached.

When the product is required to be checked for authenticity, a reference scan can be taken of the surface micro structure. Again, the scanner is correctly located relative to the windows using the positional markers.

Where the natural surface identification method is such that only a discrete line of the window is recorded, for instance, LSA, the reference scan is referred to and the size of the truncated portion recalled so that the exact relocation of the laser can be achieved (as below) Alternatively, if the natural surface recognition is such that the entire window is scanned, the fine alignment can be completed by aligning the truncated portions of the reference and master scan during the comparison. The truncated portion therefore allows the reference scan to be correctly aligned to the master scan before a comparison is made.

Referring to Figure 3, the precise alignment using the truncated portions is achievable because the distance between the two truncated portions is known. This allows the master scan and reference scan to be aligned in a rotational aspect because the required thickness of each of the two truncated portions will only be possible when the scan line is along the X-X line. In this instance the reference markers 30 may be optional.

ri-el 2 -Xrei (X2X1/2 -2 -X1 =a, +lrnrn +av, mm �2ax, = v1 tan 0 ix /Lved and /ur0 = 450 ax, Yi X3 -X2 =L -2ax1 Therefore: (X, -X1) + ( -X, ) = (I + 2ax1) + (L111 -2ax1 = mm + L11 For all orthogonal scan lines.

The comparison between the reference and master scans can be completed automatically, for instance by a computer program. If the scans match, the product is genuine. If the scans do not match the operator can be alerted to the fact that the product appears to have been corrupted or is a counterfeit. Additionally the database may record the times or locations or instances of any references made to the particular master scan. An operator may therefore, for example, know that the product appears to have been sold before.

When applied to flexible packaging, the label may located over a seal, for instance, so that if the packaging has been opened, the label has to be damaged or removed.

If counterfeiters remove the label from the flexible substrate packaging and attempt to re-apply it to the same or different substrate, the surface micro structure of the surface underneath the window will no longer correspond to the master scan. That is because it is not possible to realign the label in exactly the same location on a substrate that the label has been removed from or to apply the label to a different product: in either case the scanned structure will be different from the master.

Referring to Figure 4, a second embodiment of an identification tag 10 is shown, the tag is substantially as herein described. However, here the window 14 through the rigid label 12 is circular. The markers 30 are formed by the boundary of the window.

The identification tag 10 here as described may include graphics and human readable text printed on its surface. The external shape of the rigid label 10 may also be complex in order to aid the recognisability of the identification tag 10. For instance the appearance of the tags 10 such as the exterior shape or the shape of the window may comprise a 2 or 3 -dimensional trade mark.

The method and apparatus herein described provides flexible substrates with an anti-counterfeiting solution that is fast and reliable. Whilst it may be used with other anti-counterfeiting measures, the fact that it is not possible to accurately replicate the natural surface micro structure and because of the relationship between the marks and the surface micro structure, a very strong anti-counterfeiting solution is provided even on its own.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification

(including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features

disclosed in this specification (including any

accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A flexible article identification arrangement comprising a pliable tag secured to the flexible article, the tag having at least one window through which the article is arranged, in use, to be identified using natural feature identification techniques, the tag stabilising at least a part of the flexible article in the region of the window.
2. An arrangement as claimed in Claim 1 in which the tag comprises a rigid tag.
3. An arrangement as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 in which the tag stabilises the substrate over substantially the whole region of the window.
4. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim in which the tag includes fixing means in contact with at least part of the flexible article.
5. An arrangement as claimed in Claim 4 in which the fixing means is arranged to penetrate at least part of the flexible article.
6. An arrangement as claimed in Claim 4 or 5 in which the fixing means extends beyond the window.
7. An arrangement as claimed in any of Claims 4 to 6 in which the fixing means is transparent.
8. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim in which the tag includes a label secured to the article and defining the window.
9. An arrangement as claimed in Claim 8 in which the label is pliable.
10. An arrangement as claimed in Claim 8 in which the label is rigid.
11. An arrangement as claimed in any of Claims 8 to 10 when dependent on any of Claims 4 to 7 in which the fixing means secures the label to the article.
12. An arrangement as claimed in any of Claims 8 to 11 in which the label defines a window having at least one circular border.
13. An arrangement as claimed in Claim 12 in which the window includes two windows having a circular border.
14. An arrangement as claimed in Claim 13 in which the circular borders are concentric.
15. An arrangement as claimed in any of Claims 8 to 11 in which the shape of the window is such that no straight line passing through the window from a first side to a second side will have the same properties.
16. An arrangement as claimed in Claim 15 including a plurality of windows spaced from each other by a border that is not of uniform width between the windows.
17. An arrangement as claimed in any of Claims 8 to 16 in which the label includes marks that enable a reader to be accurately positioned with respect to the label.
18. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim in which the flexible article comprises a fabric.
19. An arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the window provides a marking means that enables a master scan and subsequent reference scan to precisely correspond.
20. An arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the tag includes information means.
21. An arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the rigid label comprises a distinctive shape.
22. An arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the identification tag is used in combination with a database for identification or anti-counterfeiting purposes.
23. An arrangement tag substantially as herein described and with reference to and as shown in any of the accompanying drawings.
24. A method of forming an identification arrangement on a flexible article comprising securing a pliable tag to the article with the tag including a window through which the article is arranged, in use, to be identified by using natural feature identification techniques with the tag stabilising at least part of the flexible article in the region of the window.
25. A method as claimed in Claim 24 comprising securing the pliable tag to an article comprising a fabric.
26. A method as claimed in Claim 25 comprising securing the fibres of the fabric in position over at least part of the extent of the window.
27. A method as claimed in claim 26 comprising securing the fibres by causing adhesive to penetrate at least part of the fabric.
28. A method as claimed in any of Claims 24 to 27 when the arrangement is as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 23.
29. A method of identifying a flexible article comprising forming an identification arrangement as claimed in any of Claims 24 to 28 and taking a master identification of the nature features of the stabilised flexible article in the region of the window, and subsequently comparing a reference identification of the natural features in order to determine the genuineness of the article.
30. The method as claimed in claim 29, wherein the method comprises recording information containing a reference to the position of the master identification within a database.
31. A method as claimed in Claim 29 or 30 comprising scanning to read the natural features.
32. A method of forming an identification arrangement substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in any of the accompanying drawings.

UK Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office

32. A method of forming an identification arrangement substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in any of the accompanying drawings.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. A flexible article identification arrangement comprising a pliable tag secured to the flexible article, the tag having at least one window through which the article is arranged, in use, to be identified using natural feature identification techniques, the tag stabilising at least a part of the flexible article in the region of the window.

2. An arrangement as claimed in Claim 1 in which the tag comprises a rigid tag.

3. An arrangement as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 in which the tag stabilises the substrate over substantially the whole region of the window.

4. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim in which the tag includes fixing means in contact with at least part of the flexible article.

5. An arrangement as claimed in Claim 4 in which the fixing means is arranged to penetrate at least part of the flexible article.

6. An arrangement as claimed in Claim 4 or 5 in which the fixing means extends beyond the window.

7. An arrangement as claimed in any of Claims 4 to 6 in which the fixing means is transparent.

8. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim in which the tag includes a label secured to the article and defining the window.

9. An arrangement as claimed in Claim 8 in which the label is pliable.

10. An arrangement as claimed in Claim 8 in which the label is rigid.

11. An arrangement as claimed in any of Claims 8 to 10 when dependent on any of Claims 4 to 7 in which the fixing means secures the label to the article.

12. An arrangement as claimed in any of Claims 8 to 11 in which the label defines a window having at least one circular border.

13. An arrangement as claimed in Claim 12 in which the window includes two windows having a circular border.

14. An arrangement as claimed in Claim 13 in which the circular borders are concentric.

15. An arrangement as claimed in any of Claims 8 to 11 in which the shape of the window is such that no straight line passing through the window from a first side to a second side will have the same properties.

16. An arrangement as claimed in Claim 15 including a plurality of windows spaced from each other by a border that is not of uniform width between the windows.

17. An arrangement as claimed in any of Claims 8 to 16 in which the label includes marks that enable a reader to be accurately positioned with respect to the label.

18. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim in which the flexible article comprises a fabric.

19. An arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the window provides a marking means that enables a master scan and subsequent reference scan to precisely correspond.

20. An arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the tag includes information means.

21. An arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the rigid label comprises a two or three-dimensional Trade Mark. c'J

22. An arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the identification tag is used in combination with a database for identification or anti-counterfeiting purposes.

23. An arrangement tag substantially as herein described and with reference to and as shown in any of the accompanying drawings.

24. A method of forming an identification arrangement on a flexible article comprising securing a pliable tag to the article with the tag including a window through which the article is arranged, in use, to be identified by using natural feature identification techniques with the tag stabilising at least part of the flexible article in the region of the window.

25. A method as claimed in Claim 24 comprising securing the pliable tag to an article comprising a fabric.

26. A method as claimed in Claim 25 comprising securing the fibres of the fabric in position over at least part of the extent of the window.

27. A method as claimed in claim 26 comprising securing the fibres by causing adhesive to penetrate at least part of the fabric.

28. A method as claimed in any of Claims 24 to 27 when the arrangement is as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 23.

29. A method of identifying a flexible article comprising forming an identification arrangement as claimed in any of Claims 24 to 28 and taking a master identification of the nature features of the stabilised flexible article in the region of the window, and subsequently comparing a reference identification of the natural features in order to determine the genuineness of the article.

30. The method as claimed in claim 29, wherein the method comprises recording information containing a reference to the position of the master identification within a database.

Intellectual Property Office DoDD For Creativity and Innovation 31. A method as claimed in Claim 29 or 30 comprising scanning to read the natural features.