CA2177368A1 - Detection of counterfeit articles - Google Patents
Detection of counterfeit articlesInfo
- Publication number
- CA2177368A1 CA2177368A1 CA 2177368 CA2177368A CA2177368A1 CA 2177368 A1 CA2177368 A1 CA 2177368A1 CA 2177368 CA2177368 CA 2177368 CA 2177368 A CA2177368 A CA 2177368A CA 2177368 A1 CA2177368 A1 CA 2177368A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- infrared
- optical filter
- infrared radiation
- articles
- visible
- 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 1
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 29
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 23
- WFKWXMTUELFFGS-UHFFFAOYSA-N tungsten Chemical compound [W] WFKWXMTUELFFGS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 229910052721 tungsten Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 239000010937 tungsten Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicon Chemical compound [Si] XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 238000003331 infrared imaging Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 229910052710 silicon Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 239000010703 silicon Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 239000004973 liquid crystal related substance Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000001228 spectrum Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 210000002858 crystal cell Anatomy 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
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000001360 synchronised effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000035945 sensitivity Effects 0.000 abstract description 4
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 abstract 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
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 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
- 239000002674 ointment Substances 0.000 description 2
- 241000282320 Panthera leo Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000013078 crystal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 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
- 239000000126 substance Substances 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
Abstract
This invention relates to a means of invisibly marking articles for identification and authentication purposes, especially in the retail trade. Articles, or their packaging, are labelled with a mark which is only discernible as such with the aid of suitable infrared imaging equipment. A preferred embodiment exploits the sensitivity of a standard silicon charge coupled device television camera to provide a cheap readily available system which can be small enough to be used covertly. An optical filter is used to prevent visible light from entering the camera whilst allowing infrared radiation to pass and a tungsten lamp with a similar second optical filter is used to provide a covert source of infrared radiation.
Description
W09S/14944 21 7736& r~ M
V~ N OF ~;UUI~r;H~ T.F';, 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 ~uaL~lL~es~ 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 in~lirPtin~ 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 COUnL~L~ UL~ 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 r~cognised.
la Japanese patent application number Hl 305 484 is concerned with a bar coding system in which the bar code label is constructed from inlc which absorbs infrared light and trarlsmits visible light. The bar code is scanned using infrared light to recover data, but no image of the label is fommed.
Similarly,JapanesepatentapplicationnumberH5274462isconcemedwith;,~ ..l,...,,1;"~a bar code which does not spoil the extemal appearance of an article. The bar code is irLvisible under visible light but may be scanned using an infrared beam. Again no image is fommed.
~uropean Patent Application 0 440 814 relates to the fabrication of Identity cards which r contain data of several types irlcludmg pictorial data which is gathered using a CCD scanner.
This invention is not, however, concemed with infrared imaging.
AMENGED SHEET
V~ N OF ~;UUI~r;H~ T.F';, 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 ~uaL~lL~es~ 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 in~lirPtin~ 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 COUnL~L~ UL~ 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 r~cognised.
la Japanese patent application number Hl 305 484 is concerned with a bar coding system in which the bar code label is constructed from inlc which absorbs infrared light and trarlsmits visible light. The bar code is scanned using infrared light to recover data, but no image of the label is fommed.
Similarly,JapanesepatentapplicationnumberH5274462isconcemedwith;,~ ..l,...,,1;"~a bar code which does not spoil the extemal appearance of an article. The bar code is irLvisible under visible light but may be scanned using an infrared beam. Again no image is fommed.
~uropean Patent Application 0 440 814 relates to the fabrication of Identity cards which r contain data of several types irlcludmg pictorial data which is gathered using a CCD scanner.
This invention is not, however, concemed with infrared imaging.
AMENGED SHEET
2~ 77368 ..- --:--: :: : -:
... . - . -- ..
According to this invention, apparatus for identifying articles~/comprises at least one label for applying to articles and is ~ L&~L~,lsed by means for producing an image of said label based on its optical properties in the infrared region of the elc~LL~ Lic spectrum, said label having charactersitics which are not visible to the unaided hu_an eye but which are visible in the image so produced.
In a preferred: ~ ' m~nt. the infrared imaging equipment comprises a television camera which is sensitive to radiation within the infrared region of the ele~ LL U~ Llc spectrum .
In a further preferred ' ~mont the television camera is of the silicon charge coupled device ~CCD) type.
In a further preferred: ' ' m~nt an optical filter is used to reduce the amount of visible light entering the television camera.
In a further preferred Pmt~o~1im~nt the optical filter comprises a ~- ' 'n51t~nn of gelatin filters.
In a further pre~erred Pnho~im~nt the optical filter comprises crossed polaroids .
In a further preferred: ' _''m~nt the optical filter may be switched in and out of operation.
In a further preferred ' m~ont 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 ill 'n~tP the article~.
AMENDED SHEET
. ' ~- 21 77368 In a further preferred embodiment the source of infrared radiation comprises an infrared radiation emitting diode.
In a further preferred rmho~lim~nt 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 ~mhorl~mrnt the source of infrared radiation F
comprises tungsten lamp used in con~unction with an optical filter.
In addition to its use as an anticounterfeiting tool, the current invention provides a means for combating parallel tradin6. Information rnnrF~rn~ng 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.
Under the present invention an identification mark, which is not rorn~n1cAhl~ 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 ~imr-ncinnAl 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.
AMENDED SHEET
WO 95/14944 2 1 7 7 3 6 8 r~ c77 The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following figures in which:-Figure l i8 a schematic repr~cPntAt;r,n of an embodiment of the invention.
Figures 2a and 2b show, by example, cross sections of identification markswhich 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 l, articles or their packaging 1 are labelled with a distinctive identii'ication mark 2 . The ~ Je.lL 0~ of this mark when viewed with the aid of suitable IR imaging equipment is ~icrPrnih1y different to that when viewed with the unaided eye under normal lighting conditions.
The label may if required contain coded lnformation 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 4f copper sulphate). The fundamental requirement is that the authentication mark is not rrrr~niqAhlr as such to the unassisted human eye but is rrrr.~niqAh1r- 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 ~3orn and E Wolf, Pergamon Press).
.
WO95/14944 21 77 3 68 r~ i77 Articles are checked using a Pulnix model TM6 silicon CCD Al`V camera 3available 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 el-~Li ui,ia~jl,eLic spectrum (wavelengthof 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. ûther 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) PO Box 99, Corby, Northants., NN17 9RS, UK.
Any standard CCTV lens, selected to give the required range, field of view etc., and which is 1, ~ii,y~ t to infrared within the wavelength range being used would be acceptable.
An optical filter 5 may be placed in the path of radiation entering thecamera (most conveniently over the lens) to filter out visible radiation.
In this ' ''monf an electronically switchable filter derived from polaroids and liquid crystal material is used. Use of a switchable filter, in con~unction 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 s rrl torl by means such as a switchable tungsten lamp 6. Covert ill 'n~tir~n 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 cu--~L~ u~:Lt:~'i using three Wratten (TMr) gelatin filters: Nos.
25 (red), 58 (green) and 47B (blue).
WO 95/14944 P~
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 exàmple copper sulphate) and is covered by the second layer 9 which is printed in ink which is not LLal~ Lellt to all radiation in the visible region but LLal.~l,c-ellt 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 ~Lu~a ~Lion~ a second example of an identification mark comprising a plurality of elements arranged in a single layer. One or more element 10 is formêd 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 aliquid crystal cell. The construction of such a device is well documented (for example in Appl. Phys. Lettr. lf~, 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 LL~Ia~J~Lellt to infrared radiation of suitable wavelength (radiation in the near IR is unaffected by the polaroid filters used in such a device).
WO 9~14944 21 7 7 3 6 8 r_. ~.O L //
Two glass plates 13, held apart by spacers 14, sandwich a f`ive micrometre layer of' twisted nematic li~uid crystal material E7 15 available from Merck chemical co . ( formerly ~DH) . The glass plates 13 are clad on their outer sides by polarisers 16a and 16b arranged so that their respective axes o~
rn~AriRa~ n are mutually perr.~n~ lAr, the directions of' these axes being represented by ~ (in the plane of the page) and ~ (normal to the plane o~ the page).
WO9~/14944 2 ~ 7 73 6~ r~ 77 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 Accor- )~tP~ with that plate.
Li6ht 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 16b.
The presence of an electric field, applied via electrodes 17, removes this 90 rotation thus allowing no light to pass through polariser 15b.
... . - . -- ..
According to this invention, apparatus for identifying articles~/comprises at least one label for applying to articles and is ~ L&~L~,lsed by means for producing an image of said label based on its optical properties in the infrared region of the elc~LL~ Lic spectrum, said label having charactersitics which are not visible to the unaided hu_an eye but which are visible in the image so produced.
In a preferred: ~ ' m~nt. the infrared imaging equipment comprises a television camera which is sensitive to radiation within the infrared region of the ele~ LL U~ Llc spectrum .
In a further preferred ' ~mont the television camera is of the silicon charge coupled device ~CCD) type.
In a further preferred: ' ' m~nt an optical filter is used to reduce the amount of visible light entering the television camera.
In a further preferred Pmt~o~1im~nt the optical filter comprises a ~- ' 'n51t~nn of gelatin filters.
In a further pre~erred Pnho~im~nt the optical filter comprises crossed polaroids .
In a further preferred: ' _''m~nt the optical filter may be switched in and out of operation.
In a further preferred ' m~ont 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 ill 'n~tP the article~.
AMENDED SHEET
. ' ~- 21 77368 In a further preferred embodiment the source of infrared radiation comprises an infrared radiation emitting diode.
In a further preferred rmho~lim~nt 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 ~mhorl~mrnt the source of infrared radiation F
comprises tungsten lamp used in con~unction with an optical filter.
In addition to its use as an anticounterfeiting tool, the current invention provides a means for combating parallel tradin6. Information rnnrF~rn~ng 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.
Under the present invention an identification mark, which is not rorn~n1cAhl~ 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 ~imr-ncinnAl 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.
AMENDED SHEET
WO 95/14944 2 1 7 7 3 6 8 r~ c77 The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following figures in which:-Figure l i8 a schematic repr~cPntAt;r,n of an embodiment of the invention.
Figures 2a and 2b show, by example, cross sections of identification markswhich 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 l, articles or their packaging 1 are labelled with a distinctive identii'ication mark 2 . The ~ Je.lL 0~ of this mark when viewed with the aid of suitable IR imaging equipment is ~icrPrnih1y different to that when viewed with the unaided eye under normal lighting conditions.
The label may if required contain coded lnformation 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 4f copper sulphate). The fundamental requirement is that the authentication mark is not rrrr~niqAhlr as such to the unassisted human eye but is rrrr.~niqAh1r- 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 ~3orn and E Wolf, Pergamon Press).
.
WO95/14944 21 77 3 68 r~ i77 Articles are checked using a Pulnix model TM6 silicon CCD Al`V camera 3available 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 el-~Li ui,ia~jl,eLic spectrum (wavelengthof 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. ûther 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) PO Box 99, Corby, Northants., NN17 9RS, UK.
Any standard CCTV lens, selected to give the required range, field of view etc., and which is 1, ~ii,y~ t to infrared within the wavelength range being used would be acceptable.
An optical filter 5 may be placed in the path of radiation entering thecamera (most conveniently over the lens) to filter out visible radiation.
In this ' ''monf an electronically switchable filter derived from polaroids and liquid crystal material is used. Use of a switchable filter, in con~unction 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 s rrl torl by means such as a switchable tungsten lamp 6. Covert ill 'n~tir~n 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 cu--~L~ u~:Lt:~'i using three Wratten (TMr) gelatin filters: Nos.
25 (red), 58 (green) and 47B (blue).
WO 95/14944 P~
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 exàmple copper sulphate) and is covered by the second layer 9 which is printed in ink which is not LLal~ Lellt to all radiation in the visible region but LLal.~l,c-ellt 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 ~Lu~a ~Lion~ a second example of an identification mark comprising a plurality of elements arranged in a single layer. One or more element 10 is formêd 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 aliquid crystal cell. The construction of such a device is well documented (for example in Appl. Phys. Lettr. lf~, 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 LL~Ia~J~Lellt to infrared radiation of suitable wavelength (radiation in the near IR is unaffected by the polaroid filters used in such a device).
WO 9~14944 21 7 7 3 6 8 r_. ~.O L //
Two glass plates 13, held apart by spacers 14, sandwich a f`ive micrometre layer of' twisted nematic li~uid crystal material E7 15 available from Merck chemical co . ( formerly ~DH) . The glass plates 13 are clad on their outer sides by polarisers 16a and 16b arranged so that their respective axes o~
rn~AriRa~ n are mutually perr.~n~ lAr, the directions of' these axes being represented by ~ (in the plane of the page) and ~ (normal to the plane o~ the page).
WO9~/14944 2 ~ 7 73 6~ r~ 77 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 Accor- )~tP~ with that plate.
Li6ht 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 16b.
The presence of an electric field, applied via electrodes 17, removes this 90 rotation thus allowing no light to pass through polariser 15b.
Claims (15)
1. Apparatus for identifying articles, comprising at least one label (2) for applying to articles (1) and characterised by means (3) for producing an image of said label (2) based on its optical properties in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum, said label (2) having characteristics which are not visible to the unaided human eye but which are visible in the image so produced.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 where the infrared imaging equipment (3) comprises a television camera which is sensitive to radiation within the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 where the television camera (3) is of the silicon charge coupled device (CCD) type.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 where an optical filter (5) is used to reduce the amount of visible light entering the television camera.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 where the optical (5) filter comprises a combination of gelatin filters.
6. The apparatus of claim 4 where the optical filter (6) comprises crossed polaroids .
7. The apparatus of claim 4 where the optical filter (6) may be switched in and out of operation.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 where the optical filter (5) comprises a liquid crystal cell.
9. The apparatus of claim 7 where the switching of the optical filter (5) is synchronised to the camera frame period.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 where an artificial source (6) of infrared radiation is used to illuminate the articles.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 where the source (6) of infrared radiation comprises an infrared radiation emitting diode.
12. The apparatus of claim 10 where the source (6) of infrared radiation comprises a tungsten lamp.
13. the apparatus of claim 10 where the output from the source (6) of infrared radiation is not visible under normal viewing conditions.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 where the source (6) of infrared radiation comprises tungsten lamp used in conjunction with an optical filter.
15. A method of identifying articles, comprising the steps of applying a label (2) to articles (1) and forming an image of said label (2) with the aid of infrared imaging equipment (3), wherein the images so formed display features which are not apparent on viewing the labels without the use of infrared equipment.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9324214A GB2284292A (en) | 1993-11-25 | 1993-11-25 | Detection of counterfeit articles |
| GB9324214.7 | 1993-11-25 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2177368A1 true CA2177368A1 (en) | 1995-06-01 |
Family
ID=10745661
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2177368 Abandoned CA2177368A1 (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) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6655579B1 (en) | 2000-04-26 | 2003-12-02 | Eastman Kodak Company | Machine readable coded frame for personal postage |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB9408938D0 (en) * | 1994-05-03 | 2015-04-01 | Secr Defence | Covert marking apparatus |
| 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 |
| CA2039711A1 (en) * | 1989-08-23 | 1991-02-24 | Miyuki Hakamatsuka | Id card issuing system |
| 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 BR BR9408159A patent/BR9408159A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1994-11-24 EP EP95901541A patent/EP0730745A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1994-11-24 GB GB9610538A patent/GB2298988A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 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 JP JP7514916A patent/JPH09505666A/en active Pending
- 1994-11-24 CN CN 94194789 patent/CN1141079A/en active Pending
- 1994-11-24 CA CA 2177368 patent/CA2177368A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6655579B1 (en) | 2000-04-26 | 2003-12-02 | Eastman Kodak Company | Machine readable coded frame for personal postage |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| BR9408159A (en) | 1997-08-05 |
| AU1073895A (en) | 1995-06-13 |
| GB9610538D0 (en) | 1996-07-31 |
| GB9324214D0 (en) | 1994-01-12 |
| JPH09505666A (en) | 1997-06-03 |
| GB2284292A (en) | 1995-05-31 |
| EP0730745A1 (en) | 1996-09-11 |
| CN1141079A (en) | 1997-01-22 |
| GB2298988A (en) | 1996-09-18 |
| WO1995014944A1 (en) | 1995-06-01 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| FZDE | Dead |