Methods and a computing device for determining whether a mark is genuine

On a computing device, a method for optimizing the storage and retrieval of an electronic signature of a mark, the method comprising:

• receiving a captured image of the mark;
• using the captured image, measuring a characteristic of the mark at a plurality of locations within the mark, resulting in a set of metrics for the characteristic,
• wherein each of the plurality of locations is associated with a location identifier of a plurality of location identifiers,
• wherein the characteristic is associated with one or more artifacts of the mark;
• based on the set of metrics, generating an electronic signature for the mark;
• deriving a hash identifier for the mark using the plurality of location identifiers;
• storing the hash identifier in a media storage device in association with the electronic signature;
• and
• retrieving the electronic signature using the hash identifier.

A computing device comprising logic circuitry and a media storage device, wherein the logic circuitry carries out a process comprising:

• receiving a captured image of a candidate mark;
• measuring, using the captured image, a characteristic of the candidate mark at a plurality of locations within the candidate mark, resulting in a set of metrics for the characteristic,
• wherein the plurality of locations is associated with a plurality of location identifiers;
• generating, based on the set of metrics, an electronic signature for the candidate mark;
• deriving a hash identifier for the candidate mark using a subset of the plurality of location identifiers;
• determining, based on a comparison of the hash identifier of the candidate mark with a hash identifier of a genuine mark, whether the hash identifier of the candidate mark closely matches the hash identifier of the genuine mark;
• if the hash identifier of the candidate mark is determined to closely match the hash identifier of the genuine mark, then
• retrieving, from the media storage device, an electronic signature of the genuine mark, wherein the electronic signature of the genuine mark contains data regarding an artifact of the genuine mark;
• and
• determining, based on a comparison of the electronic signature of the candidate mark with the retrieved electronic signature of the genuine mark, whether the candidate mark is genuine;
• if the candidate mark is determined to be genuine, then indicating that the candidate mark is genuine.