First-order authentication system

Abstract

A system (10) is provided for performing first order authentication of articles marked with indicia (30) discernible in visible, ultraviolet, or infrared light or tagged with UV- or IR-sensitive chemicals. The first-order authentication system provides reliable visual authentication by providing for juxtaposition of the article-under-test (20) with a known reference-standard sample-specimen (90, 100, or 300), while the article-under-test (20) is illuminated by a suitable source (65 or 250) of radiation in the visible, ultraviolet, or infrared portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Thus, the system (10) facilitates comparison to differentiate a genuine article from a counterfeit article with first-order accuracy but at a substantially lower cost than that of automated authentication systems. Additionally, the system can be used in both portable and desk top embodiments. The system preferably has optional interchangeable holders (140 or 400) for various articles-under-test as well as an optional interchangeable holder (115) for various reference-standard sample-specimens. Some embodiments utilize structures incorporating split-image optics (200), superposed-image optics, and/or a blink-comparator.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.