Authentication devices

A method of verifying authenticity of an authentication device, the authentication device comprising a woven authentication pattern, wherein the woven authentication pattern comprises a plurality of pattern forming woven elements each defining at least one pattern defining element or a plurality of pattern defining elements, and each pattern forming woven element is formed by a plurality of threads having contrasting optical or visual properties in twisted mutual engagement, wherein said pattern defining element has a spiralling outline or boundary and adjacent or abutting pattern defining elements of a pattern forming woven element are visually or optically distinguishable;

• the method comprising using a processor-based or computer-based device to:
• capture an image of the authentication device,
• locate and retrieve a reference pattern or patterns from a storage device,
• compare similarity or identify differences between the woven authentication pattern with the reference pattern or patterns, and
• verify authenticity according to outcome of comparison of similarity or differences.

An authentication apparatus comprising an image capture device, a processor, a memory device and instructions stored in the memory device, wherein the apparatus is operable upon execution of the stored instructions to:

• capture an image of the authentication device, the authentication device comprising a woven authentication pattern and an identification pattern, wherein the woven authentication pattern comprises a plurality of pattern forming woven elements each defining at least one pattern defining element or a plurality of pattern defining elements, and each pattern forming woven element is formed by a plurality of threads having contrasting optical or visual properties in twisted mutual engagement, wherein said pattern defining element has a spiralling outline or boundary and adjacent or abutting pattern defining elements of a pattern forming woven element are visually or optically distinguishable, the identification pattern contains identification data which are human readable and/or are process-able by a processor-based or computer-based device,
• locate and retrieve a reference pattern or patterns using identification information contained in the identification pattern,
• compare similarity or identify differences between the woven authentication pattern with the reference pattern or patterns, and
• verify authenticity and display result according to outcome of comparison of similarity or differences.