Label for identifying an object, a precursor of the label, a method of reading the label, and a method of manufacturing the label

A precursor of a label for identifying an object, the precursor comprising:

• a plurality of layers, wherein:
• each layer comprises a matrix material;
• each layer comprises a plurality of identifier elements in each layer, the plurality of identifier elements being dispersed in a corresponding matrix material and configured to be detected using visible light, and in at least one layer, the matrix material corresponding thereto is at least initially
• in a non-solid liquid state so that the identifier elements disposed therein are at least initially moveable or at least initially can disperse within the matrix material, and further wherein at least one of the first matrix material, the second matrix material, the first identifier elements, and the second identifier elements are selected from the group consisting of an initially solid material, an initially liquid material, and a material that is initially in a liquid state but that subsequently solidifies, and further wherein at least one of the first identifier elements and the second identifier elements comprises one or more of ink, a colored liquid, faded contours, undefined boundaries, bubbles, color streaks, smudges of color, color smears, color streaks, and flowmarks;
• wherein the precursor of the label comprises at least one focal point or focal mark configured to enable a validation device or a reading device to focus on the focal point or focal mark from at least two different angles using visible light, the validation device or reading device being configured to generate at least first and second digital images of at least portions of the label from the at least two different angles.

A method of manufacturing a label for identifying an object, the label comprising a plurality of layers, wherein the method comprises:

• providing at least a first mixture and a second mixture;
• wherein the first mixture and the second mixture each comprise at least initially a non-solid liquid matrix material;
• the first mixture comprises a plurality of first identifier elements configured to be detected using visible light, and
• the second mixture comprises a plurality of second identifier elements configured to be detected using visible light;
• wherein, in at least one of the first and second mixtures, the first or second identifier elements are dispersed in the non-solid liquid matrix material corresponding thereto and at least one of the first identifier elements and the second identifier elements comprises one or more of ink, a colored liquid, faded contours, undefined boundaries, bubbles, color streaks, smudges of color, color smears, color streaks, and flowmarks;
• solidifying the matrix material of the first mixture so as to form a first layer of the label;
• and solidifying the matrix material of the second mixture so as to form a second layer of the label;
• wherein the label further comprises at least one focal point or focal mark configured to enable a validation device or a reading device to focus on the focal point or focal mark from at least two different angles using visible light, the validation device or reading device being configured to generate at least first and second digital images of at least portions of the label from the at least two different angles.