WO2008154541A1

WO2008154541A1 - Product authentication

Info

Publication number: WO2008154541A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/066434
Authority: WO
Inventors: Iii Joseph B. Schutte
Original assignee: Affyrmx, Llc
Priority date: 2007-06-11
Filing date: 2008-06-10
Publication date: 2008-12-18

Abstract

A product authenticator includes a substrate adapted to be associated with a product. A mark is on the substrate and includes an intaglio print and a multi-channel hologram. The intaglio print has a primary image visible from a first range of viewing angles and a latent image visible from a second range of viewing angles different than the first range of viewing angles. The multi-channel hologram has a first channel image visible from the first range of viewing angles and a second channel image visible from the second range of viewing angles. The latent image and the second channel image are related to one another so as to provide, when viewed together from within the second range of viewing angles, an indication of authentication.

Description

PRODUCT AUTHENTICATION

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION^)

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/934,242, filed June 11 , 2007, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to product authentication and, more particularly, relates to devices, systems and method for product authentication to combat counterfeiting and other deceptive trade practices.

BACKGROUND

Counterfeiting generally refers to the imitation of consumer products, for example, with the intent to deceptively represent its content or origins. Consumer products that have been targets of counterfeiting include clothing, software, pharmaceuticals, watches, apparel and accessories and media products, such as compact discs, videotapes, digital video discs and computer software. Counterfeiting can have negative effects on society including, for example, causing legitimate businesses to lose money, good will and considerable investments of time and effort in building their legitimate businesses.

A number of product authentication measures have been developed and implemented by product manufacturers, retailers, consultants, and others to combat counterfeiting and other deceptive practices that harm legitimate businesses. One such measure, for example, has been to use holography on a product's packaging to indicate authenticity. Counterfeiters generally try to imitate product authentication measures. Successful imitation can reduce the effectiveness of those measures. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In some implementations, the products, techniques and systems disclosed herein facilitate product authentication in a manner that a consumer would find to be very simple to use and in a manner that a would-be-counterfeiter will find extremely difficult to duplicate. In one aspect, a product authenticator includes a substrate adapted to be associated with a product. A mark on the substrate includes an intaglio print including a primary image visible from a first range of viewing angles and a latent image visible from a second range of viewing angles different than the first range of viewing angles, and a multi-channel hologram, with a first channel image visible from the first range of viewing angles and a second channel image visible from the second range of viewing angles. The latent image and the second channel image are related to one another so as to provide, when viewed together from within the second range of viewing angles, an indication of authentication.

In some implementations, the latent image and the second channel image are at least partially hidden from view within the first range of viewing angles. Similarly, in some implementations, the primary image of the intaglio print and the first channel image of the second portion are at least partially hidden from view within the second range of viewing angles.

In a typical embodiment, the first range of viewing angles is from about normal to the substrate to about 50° off normal to the substrate, and the second range of viewing angles is from about 50° to 70° from normal to the substrate. The latent image and the second channel image, in some embodiments, are substantially similar to one another, when viewed from within the second range of viewing angles. In some embodiments, the primary image and the first channel image reveal a graphic pattern when viewed from within the first range of viewing angles and the graphic pattern is different than the intaglio latent image and the second channel image.

When viewed from within the first range of viewing angles, the primary image can appear at a location that overlaps a location where the intaglio latent image appears when viewed from with the second range of viewing angles and, when viewed from within the first range of viewing angles, the first channel image appears at a location that overlaps a location where the second channel image appears when viewed from with the second range of viewing angles.

In certain embodiments, the intaglio print and the hologram share a common boundary. In some implementations, there is an instructions associated with the product authenticator that, in order to authenticate the associated product, a viewer can view the product authenticator from within the second range of viewing angles to reveal the intaglio latent image and the second channel image that are related to one another.

According to a typical implementation, the substrate is a label for the product, part of the product itself, part of a package for the product or a hangtag. Typically, the indication of authentication is an indication of the product's authentication.

In another aspect, a method of facilitating product authentication includes providing a substrate and creating a mark on the substrate. Creating the mark includes creating an intaglio print including a primary image visible from a first range of viewing angles and a latent image visible from a second range of viewing angles different than the first range of viewing angles; and creating a multi-channel hologram, with a first channel image visible from the first range of viewing angles and a second channel image visible from the second range of viewing angles. The latent image and the second channel image are related to one another so as to provide, when viewed together from the second range of viewing angles, an indication of authentication.

Typical embodiments of the method also include associating the marked substrate with the product. In some implementations, the method includes creating the intaglio print and the hologram so that they that shares a common boundary with one another.

Certain embodiments include providing an instruction either on or in association with the substrate that, in order to authenticate the associated product, a viewer can view the product authenticator from within the second range of viewing angles to reveal the intaglio latent image and the second channel image that are related to one another.

The latent image and the second channel image typically are at least partially hidden from visibility within the first range of viewing angles. In some embodiments, the method includes creating the primary image and the first channel image to be at least partially hidden from visibility within the second range of viewing angles. Creating the mark may be done in some embodiments in such a manner that the primary image and the first channel image together reveal a graphic pattern when viewed from within the first range of viewing angles, and wherein the graphic pattern is different than the latent image and the second channel image. Creating the mark may be done in some embodiments in such a manner that, when the product authenticator is viewed from within the first range of viewing angles, the primary image appears at a location that is substantially similar to a location where the latent image appears when viewed from with the second range of viewing angles, and so that, when the product authenticator is viewed from within the first range of viewing angles, the first channel image appears at a location that is substantially similar to a location where the second channel image appears when viewed from with the second range of viewing angles.

According to another aspect, a product authenticator includes a substrate adapted to be associated with a product and a mark on the substrate. The mark includes a first portion with a primary image visible from a first range of viewing angles; and a second image that is visible from a second range of viewing angles different than the first range of viewing angles and that is at least partially hidden from view in first range of viewing angles. The mark also includes a second portion, adjacent the first portion, the second portion having a primary image visible from the first range of viewing angles; and a second image visible from the second range of viewing angles and at least partially hidden from view in first range of viewing angles. The second image of the first portion and the second image of the second portion are related to one another so as to provide, when viewed together from the second range of viewing angles, an indication of authentication. The first part of the mark and the second part of the mark are formed using different printing techniques. In yet another aspect, a method of facilitating product authentication includes creating a first image in association with the product using a first technique; and creating a second image in association with the product using a second technique that is different than the first technique, wherein the second image is visually related to the first image. At least one of either the first or second image is viewable only when viewed from a limited range of angles relative to its image plane. In some implementations, the first image is substantially similar to or substantially complementary to the second image.

In some implementations, the first image and the second image are positioned substantially side by side. Moreover, both the first image and the second image can be viewable only when viewed from respective limited ranges of angles relative to their respective image planes. In a typical implementation, the limited range of viewing angles for the first image overlaps the limited range of viewing angles for the second image so that when viewed from an angle that is within both limited ranges, both the first image and the second image are visible. The first image and the second image can be created on a common plane and the limited range of viewing angles for the first image can be approximately from the common plane to about 40 degrees relative to the common plane and the limited range of viewing angles for the second image can be approximately from 20 degrees relative to the common plane to approximately 90 degrees relative to the common plane. The limited range of viewing angles for the first image can be approximately from the common plane to 30 degrees relative to the common plane, and the limited range of viewing angles for the second image can be approximately from 30 degrees relative to the common plane to approximately 90 degrees relative to the common plane.

In a typical implementation, one of either the first technique or the second technique is intaglio printing and the other technique is holographic printing. The image created using intaglio printing can include a latent image. The image created using holographic printing can include a second channel image. Creating the first image and the second image can be on the product itself, on packaging for the product or on a label for the product. If one a label, then the method can include applying the label to either the product or to packaging for the product. Certain embodiments include providing instructions to a consumer to authenticate the product by viewing the first and second images from an angle.

In still another aspect, a product authentication indicator includes a first image in association with the product and a second image in association with the product. The second image is visually related to the first image. At least one of either the first or second image is viewable only when viewed from a limited range of angles relative to its image plane. Typically, the first image is substantially similar to the second image or substantially complementary to the second image. The first image and the second image typically are positioned substantially side by side.

In some embodiments, both the first image and the second image are viewable only when viewed from respective limited ranges of angles relative to their respective image planes.

Typically, the limited range of viewing angles for the first image overlaps the limited range of viewing angles for the second image so that when viewed from an angle that is within both limited ranges, both the first image and the second image are visible.

The first image and the second image can be created on a common plane and, in such instances, the limited range of viewing angles for the first image is approximately from the common plane to 40 degrees relative to the common plane and the limited range of viewing angles for the second image is approximately from 20 degrees relative to the common plane to approximately 90 degrees relative to the common plane. In some implementations, the limited range of viewing angles for the first image is approximately from the common plane to 30 degrees relative to the common plane and the limited range of viewing angles for the second image is approximately from 30 degrees relative to the common plane to approximately 90 degrees relative to the common plane. Typically, one of either the first image or the second image is an intaglio latent image and the other image is a holographic second channel image.

The first image and the second image can be on the product itself, on packaging for the product or on a label. When on a label, the label is put on either the product or packaging for the product.

In yet another aspect, a system for facilitating product authentication includes applying a product authentication indicator to a product. The product authentication indicator includes a first image in association with the product; and a second image in association with the product, wherein the second image is visually related to the first image, and wherein at least one of either the first or second image is viewable only when viewed from a limited range of angles relative to its image plane. The system also includes providing consumer instructions to authenticate the product by viewing the product authentication indicator at an angle to see the visually related first and second images.

In some implementations, one or more of the following advantages are present. A product authenticator may be provided that facilitates product authentication in a manner that a consumer could use easily at the point of sale to confirm a product's authenticity. Authentication is very simple and fairly intuitive. No special viewing lens will be needed at the point of sale in order for the consumer to authenticate a product.

Moreover, in view of the complexities and potential costs involved in trying to mimic a product authenticator as disclosed herein, a would-be-counterfeiter would very likely be discouraged from even trying. Implementations that include intaglio printing, in particular, would be extremely difficult to imitate, because intaglio printing presses are extremely expensive and largely unavailable to the general population.

Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. IA and IB are perspective views of a product authenticator from different viewing angles.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a product authenticator and a viewer. FIG. 3 is a front view of a product authenticator.

FIGS. 4 A and 4B are perspective views of a product authenticator in association with products.

FIG. 5 shows a progression of process that includes manufacturing a product authenticator and associating it to a product.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. IA and IB illustrate one implementation of a product authenticator 100 as seen from two different viewing angles. The first view, in FIG. IA, is from approximately normal (i.e., roughly perpendicular) to the visible surface of the product authenticator 100 and the second view, in FIG. IB, is from an angle skewed relative to the normal view.

The illustrated product authenticator 100 includes a substrate 102 having a mark 104 formed thereon. The mark 104 has two portions: a first portion 106 and a second portion 108. The first portion 106 of the mark 104 (i.e., the bottom portion of the mark 104 in FIGS. IA and IB) is an intaglio print that includes a primary image 110 (see FIG. IA) and a latent image 112 (see FIG. IB). The primary image 110 (see FIG. IA) is visible from a first range of viewing angles including, for example, normal to the surface of the substrate 102, as shown in FIG. IA, but is at least partially (or substantially) hidden from view in a second range of viewing angles that includes, for example, the viewing angle represented in FIG. IB. The latent image 112, on the other hand, is visible from the second range of viewing angles (see FIG. IB), but is at least partially (or substantially) hidden from view in the first range of viewing angles (see FIG. IA).

The second portion 108 of the mark 104 is adjacent the first portion 106. In the illustrated implementation, the second portion 108 of the mark 104 is directly above and shares a common boundary with the first portion 106 of the mark 104. The second portion 108 of the mark 108 is a multi-channel hologram with a first channel image 114 (see FIG. IA) and a second channel image 116 (see FIG. IB). The first channel image 114 is visible from the first range of viewing angles (see FIG. IA), but is at least partially (or substantially) hidden from view in the second range of viewing angles (see FIG. IB). The second channel image 116, on the other hand, is visible from the second range of viewing angles (see FIG. IB), but is at least partially (or substantially) hidden from view in the first range of viewing angles (see FIG. IA).

When the product authenticator 100 is viewed from the first range of viewing angles (FIG. IA), the primary image 110 and the first channel image 104 present a cohesive graphic pattern. When the product authenticator 100 is viewed from the second range of viewing angles (FIG. IB), the latent image 112 and the second channel image 116 present a pair of images that are related to one another. This provides the viewer (e.g., a consumer) that the product(s) associated with the product authenticator 100 is authentic. In the illustrated implementation, the latent image 112 and the second channel image 116 are related to one another by virtue of being substantially similar to one another. More particularly, both images 112, 116 include the same word (i.e., the brand name "Sekutech"), written in the same font style and approximate size.

If the illustrated product authenticator 100 were coupled to a product, a consumer at the point of sale, would likely be able to recognize that the alternating appearance, depending on angle of view, of the graphic pattern (FIG. IA) and the related images 112, 116 (FIG. IB), provide an indication that the associated product is authentic. This may be because the consumer would likely recognize that the product authenticator is complex and that a counterfeiter would likely not go through the trouble of trying to duplicate it.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the product authenticator 100 of FIG. 1 and a viewer 218 looking at the product authenticator 100. In the illustrated figure, dashed lines demarcate the first range of viewing angles G₁, in which both the primary image 110 and the first channel image 114 are visible and the second range of viewing angles O₂, in which the related (e.g., substantially matching) intaglio latent image 112 and second channel image 116 (see FIG. IB) are visible. In some implementations, the first range of viewing angles G₁ includes a set of angles between normal relative to the substrate to about 50° off normal to the substrate in one or more directions or in every direction, e.g., from about a view angle 90 degrees off the plane of the substrate to about 40 degrees, 50 degrees, 60 degrees, 70 degrees or 80 degrees off the plane of the substrate. In some implementations, the second range of viewing angles θ₂ includes a set of angles between about 50° off normal to the substrate to about 70° off normal to the substrate, e.g., from about 55° off normal to the substrate to about 65° off normal to the substrate or from about 57° off normal to the substrate to about 62° off normal to the substrate. In some implementations, the second range of viewing angles includes substantially all angles from about 50° off normal to about 90° off normal. The foregoing angular ranges are provided as examples only and numerous variations of those ranges are possible. In general, it is desirable that the intaglio latent image 112 and the second channel image 116 be visible together from one or more ranges of viewing angles and that the primary image 110 and first channel image 114 be visible together from one or more other ranges of viewing angles. It is also desirable that the graphic pattern presented by the primary image 110 and the first channel image 114 be different than the related images presented by the intaglio latent image 112 and the second channel image 116.

In a typical product authenticator, such as the product authenticator 100 shown in FIGS. IA and IB, the primary image 110 appears at a location on the product authenticator 100 that overlaps a location where the intaglio latent image 112 appears. Likewise, the first channel image 114 appears at a location on the product authenticator 110 that overlaps a location where the second channel image 116 appears.

FIG. 3 illustrates an implementation of a product authenticator 300 that includes an optional instruction 320 associated therewith to instruct a viewer that, in order to authenticate the associated product, the viewer can view the product authenticator from alternative viewing angles to reveal either a pattern, such as the pattern shown in FIG. IA, or the related images, such as shown in FIG. IB. The instruction 320 may be detailed or, alternatively, in a relatively simple implementation, the instruction 320 may read "tilt to authenticate."

The instruction 320 may be printed as part of the product authenticator 300 itself or, alternatively, may be provided on an adhesive label, which is secured to the product authenticator 300. Typically, the instruction 320 is printed in a manner enables the viewer to read it regardless of the viewer's particular viewing angle.

In the implementations shown in FIGS. IA, IB, 2 and 3, the substrate 102 is a label that can optionally include adhesive material on a surface thereof opposite the surface that includes the graphics. In those implementations, the label can be adhered, for example, to a product, to a product's packaging or to another label that will be attached to or otherwise associated with a product. In other implementations, such as those shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the substrate 102 may be a product itself (FIG. 4A) or the substrate 102 may form part of a product's packaging (FIG. 4B). FIG. 4 A shows a computer disk 422 as a product to be authenticated. In the illustrated implementation, a product authenticator 400 is formed using the computer disk itself as the substrate (e.g., substrate 102 in FIGS. IA and IB). FIG. 4B shows a product package 424, such as a box for a digital video recorder or the like. In the illustrated implementation, a product authenticator 400 is formed using the product package 424 material itself as the substrate.

FIG. 5 shows steps of one implementation of manufacturing and applying a product authenticator. In the illustrated implementation, step 550 includes providing a substrate 502. As discussed above, the substrate 502 may be a label that optionally includes an adhesive material on a surface opposite the surface that will include the images. In other implementations, the substrate 502 may be the product itself or may be part of a product's packaging. The substrate 502 material can be paper, plastic or any other material suitable for use in connection with forming multi-channel holograms and intaglio printing with latent images thereon.

In step 552, a multi-channel hologram is created on the upper portion of the substrate 502. The multi-channel hologram has a first channel image 514 that is visible from a first range of viewing angles and a second channel image 516 that is visible from a second range of viewing angles. In some implementations, the first range of viewing angles includes a set of angles between normal relative to the substrate to about 50° off normal to the substrate in one or more directions or in every direction, e.g., from about a view angle 90 degrees off the plane of the substrate to about 40 degrees, 50 degrees, 60 degrees, 70 degrees or 80 degrees off the plane of the substrate. In some implementations, the second range of viewing angles includes a set of angles between about 50° off normal to the substrate to about 70° off normal to the substrate, e.g., from about 55° off normal to the substrate to about 65° off normal to the substrate or from about 57° off normal to the substrate to about 62° off normal to the substrate. In some implementations, the second range of viewing angles includes substantially all angles from about 50° off normal to about 90° off normal.

The hologram may be manufactured using any one or a combination of known techniques. For example, in some implementations, the hologram may be manufactured by stacking two (or more) images in such a way that each image is alternately visible depending upon the angle of perspective of the viewer. The side-by-side representations, at step 552, show alternative views of substrate 502 with the hologram formed thereon. In the left view, which is substantially normal to the visible surface, the hologram reveals a graphic pattern. In the right view, which is skewed relative to normal, the hologram reveals the brand name "Sekutech." The hologram may include multiple colors and may give the viewer an illusion of depth. In step 554, a second part of the mark is formed on the bottom portion of the substrate 502. This second portion of the mark includes a primary image 510 visible from the first range of viewing angles and an intaglio latent image 512 visible from the second range of viewing angles. The primary image 510 typically presents a graphic pattern that is related to the graphic pattern of the hologram's first channel image 514. For example, the primary image may present an extension of first channel image's graphic pattern or may present a negative of the first channel image's graphic pattern, as shown in the illustrated embodiment. Other types of relationships are possible. For example, the primary image and the first channel image may be designed to reveal a continuation or series of characters such as a series of numbers, letters, or icons; completion of a word or sentence; or completion of an image, left and right sides of a logo and the like.

The intaglio latent image 512 typically is formed so that it is visible from a range of viewing angles that at least partially overlaps the range of viewing angles at which the hologram's second channel image 516 is visible. The amount of overlap can vary. In some implementations, the intaglio latent image 512 and the hologram's second channel image 516 are visible across an angular range of up to 45 degrees, including, e.g., up to 35 degrees, up to 30 degrees, up to 25 degrees, up to 20 degrees, up to 15 degrees, up to 10 degrees and up to 5 degrees. Moreover, the intaglio latent image 512 typically is formed so that it has some connection or relationship to the hologram's second channel image 516. For example, in the illustrated implementation, both images 512, 516 reveal the same brand name, using the approximately the same size and style of font. In other implementations, the images 512, 516 may be mirror images of one another, or may, together form one word (e.g., "authentic"). Additionally, they may include non-word graphic images (e.g., two alligators).

The primary image 510 and the intaglio latent image 512 may be formed using one or more know techniques. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,033,059, whose disclosure is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, discloses an intaglio printing technique for creating a background image and a latent intaglio image. The technique includes forming an intaglio imprint impressed on a surface of a sheet of paper and incorporating a latent image formed by intaglio line portions having a greater depth than the line portions forming the background of the imprint. Accordingly, when viewed from approximately a normal viewing angle (i.e., roughly perpendicular to the surface), the latent and background images are not discernible from one another and, therefore, appear as a single image. However, when viewed from an angle skewed (e.g., approximately 20 to 50 degrees) from normal the latent image stands out as an independent image separate and discernible from the background. A variety of other intaglio printing techniques may be implemented as well.

Once the intaglio print with the latent image is created, the color and reflectivity of the ink used therein can be adjusted, for example, to fine tune the match between the intaglio latent image and the hologram's second channel image.

In step 556, the resulting authenticator 500 is associated with a product. In the illustrated implementation, this association is manifested by securing the product authenticator to the product's package 570. This may be done by using, for example, an adhesive material or by using any other known technique for adhering a substrate to a surface.

In step 558, an instruction 520 is added to the product's package 570 near the product authenticator 500. In one implementation, the instruction might be to view the product authenticator from various angles to see matching (or otherwise related) images. The instruction may be printed directly to the package or be printed on a label and adhered to the package.

A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

For example, the techniques disclosed herein could be implemented using any pair of printing technologies that are capable of producing two or more images that are alternatively visible from different viewing angles. For example, color changing inks are chemicals that changes color when viewed from different angle. In some implementations, these inks may be used to create one or more images that change appearance when viewed from different angles. Such an image can be used in connection with an intaglio print and/or a hologram to implement the techniques disclosed herein. Similarly, other optical lens technology techniques can be used in conjunction with an intaglio print and/or a hologram to implement the techniques disclosed herein. Such techniques can include, for example, cast microstructures, or lenticular printing technology, in which a lenticular lens is used to produce images with an illusion of depth, or the ability to change or move as the image is viewed from different angles. Other optical lens technologies are possible as well.

In some implementations, the term optical lens technology refers to any technology in which a primary image is printed onto a substrate using any print technology, such as lithography, gravure, flexographic, or ink jet. The image could consist of text or graphics or a combination of both. A clear material is applied over the primary image that acts as a light gate. This gate either distorts or hides the printed image under the clear material unless it is viewed at a specific angle. The clear gate material can either be laminated to the printed substrate or cast onto the substrate. The lenticular technology reveals one of two images depending on the viewing angle.

Additionally, the techniques can be adapted to provide a product authenticator that includes three portions produced using two or more printing technologies. In some of such implementations, the three portions may be formed such that from one or more ranges of angles, the three portions reveal three images that are related (e.g., matching) to one another. Similarly, product authenticators having more than three portions are possible as well.

Although, in some implementations, the hologram and the intaglio print share a common boundary, in some implementations, they need not share a common boundary. Indeed, in some implementations, there could be a space provided between the hologram and the intaglio print. It is generally desirable, however, that the hologram and the intaglio print be close enough together that a consumer or other viewer would recognize that they relate to one another.

Also, in a typical implementation, it may be difficult to form the intaglio latent image so that it is visible at every angle at which the hologram's second channel image is visible. However, it generally suffices if at least some overlap exists so that both the intaglio latent image and the hologram's second channel image are visible together. It is not necessary that the angular ranges of visibility overlap entirely. For example, in one implementation, the latent image in the intaglio print reveals at the following angles: between 5 degrees and 40 degrees from horizontal and between 140 degrees and 175 degrees from horizontal. The holographic second channel image reveals at the following angles: between 20 degrees and 45 degrees from horizontal and between 135 degrees and 160 degrees from horizontal. In this example, both the secondary channel image and the intaglio latent image are visible at the following angles: between 20 degrees and 40 degrees from horizontal and between 140 degrees and 160 degrees from horizontal. Both the matched angle as well as the range that the secondary image is visible may be adjusted for particular applications. In general, a hologram is constructed by burning an image into a transparent substrate at various angles across a horizon. If "image A" was burned in at all angles between 60 and 150 degrees from horizontal, then the resultant hologram would reveal that image when viewed at those angles. "Image B", which represents a second channel, may be burned in at all other angles in the range of 0 degrees to 180 degrees. On the other hand, a latent image can be constructed by creating an array of line segments that are printed using the intaglio process. The latent image is designed to reveal at certain angles based on the line geometries: length of lines, angles of lines, spacing of lines, white space width to line width, and line modulation.

An example of the steps used to manufacture and apply a product authenticator is disclosed herein. In a particular implementation, the order of the steps may vary. For example, in some implementations, the intaglio print with the latent image may be created before the hologram. Similarly, in some implementations, some of the steps may be dispensed with. For example, in some implementations, providing instructions for using the product authenticator may be dispensed with. Additionally, in some implementations, other steps may be added to the processes disclosed.

The images that appear in the hologram and the intaglio print can vary considerably. One such variation, for example, includes two images in the intaglio print and the same two images in the hologram. In this case, though, on a given view angle, the latent would be displaying image A and the hologram would be displaying image B. When the viewing angle is changed, the latent and the hologram would display the alternate image.

Instructions to the consumer regarding how to use the product authenticator are optional. Indeed, it is expected that most consumers will be sophisticated enough to recognize the functionality of the product authenticators and techniques disclosed herein. In some implementations, instructions may be provided at the point of sale for a product. For example, if the product is being offered for sale in a display case at a store, a poster board may be provided adjacent the display case to inform consumers how to use and interpret the product authenticator. It is expected that, over time, consumers will learn to recognize the product authenticators and will learn how to use them.

The techniques disclosed herein could be implemented in connection with a variety of other product authentication techniques to further enhance the consumer's ability to evaluate authenticity. Some of these techniques include the use of watermarks, microprinting, security threads, magnetic inks, fluorescent dyes and small radio frequency-active devices. Other implementations are within the scope of the claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A product authenticator comprising: a substrate adapted to be associated with a product; a mark on the substrate comprising: an intaglio print including a primary image visible from a first range of viewing angles and a latent image visible from a second range of viewing angles different than the first range of viewing angles; and a multi-channel hologram, with a first channel image visible from the first range of viewing angles and a second channel image visible from the second range of viewing angles, wherein the latent image and the second channel image are related to one another so as to provide, when viewed together from within the second range of viewing angles, an indication of authentication.

2. The product authenticator of claim 1 wherein the latent image and the second channel image are at least partially hidden from view within the first range of viewing angles.

3. The product authenticator of claim 1 wherein the primary image of the intaglio print and the first channel image of the second portion are at least partially hidden from view within the second range of viewing angles.

4. The product authenticator of claim 1 wherein the first range of viewing angles is from about normal to the substrate to about 50° off normal to the substrate, and wherein the second range of viewing angles is from about 50° to 70° from normal to the substrate.

5. The product authenticator of claim 1 wherein the latent image and the second channel image are substantially similar to one another, when viewed from within the second range of viewing angles.

6. The product authenticator of claim 1 wherein the primary image and the first channel image reveal a graphic pattern when viewed from within the first range of viewing angles, wherein the graphic pattern is different than the intaglio latent image and the second channel image.

7. The product authenticator of claim 1 wherein, when viewed from within the first range of viewing angles, the primary image appears at a location that overlaps a location where the intaglio latent image appears when viewed from with the second range of viewing angles, and wherein, when viewed from within the first range of viewing angles, the first channel image appears at a location that overlaps a location where the second channel image appears when viewed from with the second range of viewing angles.

8. The product authenticator of claim 1 wherein the intaglio print and the hologram share a common boundary.

9. The product authenticator of claim 1 further comprising an instruction in association with the product authenticator that, in order to authenticate the associated product, a viewer can view the product authenticator from within the second range of viewing angles to reveal the intaglio latent image and the second channel image that are related to one another.

10. The product authenticator of claim 1 wherein the substrate is selected from the group consisting of a label for the product, part of the product itself, part of a package for the product and a hangtag.

11. The product authenticator of claim 1 wherein the indication of authentication is an indication of the product's authentication.

12. A method of facilitating product authentication, the method comprising: providing a substrate; creating a mark on the substrate, wherein creating the mark comprises: creating an intaglio print including a primary image visible from a first range of viewing angles and a latent image visible from a second range of viewing angles different than the first range of viewing angles; and creating a multi-channel hologram, with a first channel image visible from the first range of viewing angles and a second channel image visible from the second range of viewing angles, wherein the latent image and the second channel image are related to one another so as to provide, when viewed together from the second range of viewing angles, an indication of authentication.

13. The method of claim 12 further comprising associating the marked substrate with the product.

14. The method of claim 12 further comprising creating the intaglio print and the hologram so that they that shares a common boundary with one another.

15. The method of claim 12 further comprising: providing an instruction on the substrate that, in order to authenticate the associated product, a viewer can view the product authenticator from within the second range of viewing angles to reveal the intaglio latent image and the second channel image that are related to one another.

16. The method of claim 12 further comprising creating the latent image and the second channel image to be at least partially hidden from visibility within the first range of viewing angles.

17. The method of claim 12 further comprising creating the primary image and the first channel image to be at least partially hidden from visibility within the second range of viewing angles.

18. The method of claim 12 further comprising creating the mark so that the primary image and the first channel image together reveal a graphic pattern when viewed from within the first range of viewing angles, and wherein the graphic pattern is different than the latent image and the second channel image.

19. The method of claim 12 further comprising creating the mark so that, when the product authenticator is viewed from within the first range of viewing angles, the primary image appears at a location that is substantially similar to a location where the latent image appears when viewed from with the second range of viewing angles, and so that, when the product authenticator is viewed from within the first range of viewing angles, the first channel image appears at a location that is substantially similar to a location where the second channel image appears when viewed from with the second range of viewing angles.

20. A product authenticator comprising: a substrate adapted to be associated with a product; a mark on the substrate comprising: a first portion comprising: a primary image visible from a first range of viewing angles; and a second image that is visible from a second range of viewing angles different than the first range of viewing angles and that is at least partially hidden from view in first range of viewing angles; and a second portion, adjacent the first portion, the second portion comprising: a primary image visible from the first range of viewing angles; and a second image visible from the second range of viewing angles and at least partially hidden from view in first range of viewing angles, wherein the second image of the first portion and the second image of the second portion are related to one another so as to provide, when viewed together from the second range of viewing angles, an indication of authentication, wherein the first part of the mark and the second part of the mark are formed using different printing techniques.

21. A method of facilitating product authentication, the method comprising: creating a first image in association with the product using a first technique; and creating a second image in association with the product using a second technique that is different than the first technique, wherein the second image is visually related to the first image, wherein at least one of either the first or second image is viewable only when viewed from a limited range of angles relative to its image plane.

22. The method of claim 1 wherein the first image is substantially similar to or substantially complementary to the second image.

23. A product authentication indicator comprising: a first image in association with the product; and a second image in association with the product, wherein the second image is visually related to the first image, and wherein at least one of either the first or second image is viewable only when viewed from a limited range of angles relative to its image plane.

24. The product authentication indicator of claim 16 wherein the first image is substantially similar to the second image.

25. A system for facilitating product authentication, the system comprising: applying a product authentication indicator to a product, the product authentication indicator comprising: a first image in association with the product; and a second image in association with the product, wherein the second image is visually related to the first image, and wherein at least one of either the first or second image is viewable only when viewed from a limited range of angles relative to its image plane; and providing consumer instructions to authenticate the product by viewing the product authentication indicator at an angle to see the visually related first and second images.