System for registration, identification and verification of items utilizing unique intrinsic features

A method for registration and verification of items, to confirm whether an item is a particular unique item previously registered, comprising:

• providing a central data storage location and a plurality of local stations,
• providing a data communication link between one of said local stations and the central data storage location,
• initially performing a registration procedure under the control of an operator at the central data storage location, on a particular unique item at said one local station by
• (1) placing the item on optical equipment enabling microscopic viewing both at the local station and at the central data storage location, and capable of recording microscopic images from the item,
• (2) selecting a microsite for imaging on the item by microscopically viewing the item and selecting the microsite,
• (3) recording at a microscopic level of magnification an image of a unique pattern of features at the selected microsite of the item, said unique pattern of features being intrinsic to the item itself without any addition to the item, and
• (4) in conjunction with the recording step, producing and electronically storing at the central data storage location, data representing the microsite image and containing the unique pattern of features, in a form capable of use in reproducing the microsite image, along with data representing the location of the selected microsite, and along with data identifying the item being registered,
• preventing unauthorized duplication, alteration or use of the stored data,
• at a time subsequent to the storing of the data at the central data storage location, performing a verification procedure by
• (a) recalling over a communication link the stored data from the central data storage location to a selected one of said local stations,
• (b) examining at said selected local station at a microscopic level of magnification a subject item purporting to be said particular unique item, at a site on the item corresponding in location to said selected microsite in accordance with the recalled data,
• (c) comparing the image of the microsite generated by local examination to the microsite image recalled from the central data storage location to determine whether the two microsite images match to a preselected degree, thereby determining whether the subject item is the same unique item, and
• (d) controlling the verification procedure from the central data storage location, including at least verifying said selected local station for access to the stored data before the stored data are recalled to the selected local station.