An optically variable device uses a data storage layer with a nano-optical bit system to store data. The optically variable device encodes the data using spectral signatures (such as colors) as variables. In some embodiments, the optically variable device uses angle multiplexing to store machine-readable data and an image. The optically variable device can be used as a secure data storage medium for a large volume of data. The storage capacity can be increased by increasing the number of color variables and by introducing additional variables such as intensity and polarization.

A method and system providing an anti-counterfeiting label or mark, using ordinary inkjet printers, take advantage of a phenomenon called a coffee ring pattern, something that inkjet printers. Even the same inkjet printer can output different patterns under different conditions. As a result, the likelihood of reproduction of a particular printer's coffee ring pattern using another printer is so low as to be negligible. It is possible to capture images of the coffee rings using a smartphone camera. The coffee ring approach may be used on any labels or packages on which inkjet printing can be used.

A method and system are provided. The method involves generating a plurality of nanoparticles, isolating fluorescent nanoparticles, embedding the fluorescent nanoparticles in a resin and applying the resin on a product. The system is for product authentication and includes a light source, fluorescence nanoparticles, a detector and a resin for applying on a product. Furthermore, a non-transitory computer readable medium encoded with codes is provided to direct the system to carry out the method.

Systems, methods, apparatus and techniques for authenticating objects includes applying quantum dots to an object, wherein the quantum dots have an identified spectral response pattern, and recording data associating the object and the identified spectral response pattern.

A method and system are provided. The method involves generating a plurality of nanoparticles, isolating fluorescent nanoparticles, embedding the fluorescent nanoparticles in a resin and applying the resin on a product. The system is for product authentication and includes a light source, fluorescence nanoparticles, a detector and a resin for applying on a product. Furthermore, a non-transitory computer readable medium encoded with codes is provided to direct the system to carry out the method.

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, obtaining a first image of a random distribution of particles overlaying an encoded region of an object identification tag, wherein the first image is obtained according to a first image capture configuration comprising a first image capture angle. The first image is associated with a decoded message determined according to the encoded region resulting in an association between the object identification tag and the first reflection pattern. A second image of the random distribution of particles is obtained according to a second image capture configuration including a second image capture angle, and an authenticity of the object identification tag is determined according to the association, the first image, and the second image. Other embodiments are disclosed.

A wearable computing device reads near-invisible one- or two-dimensional barcodes having a size of 100 microns to one millimeter. The device includes a magnifying lens, a digital camera, a processor, program memory and a wireless communication module, all supported on a wearable device body. The wearable device body may be an eyeglass frame, a watch body or wristband, a headband or sweatband or a cap or other headgear, among other possibilities. Applications of the wearable computing device include unattended shopping in a physical retail store.

There is provided a holographic security element including a substrate; and an array of nano-reflectors configured to form a pattern on the substrate and to generate a holographic image corresponding to the pattern at a predetermined distance from the substrate when irradiated with a predetermined light source. In particular, the array of nano-reflectors is configured to generate the holographic image at the predetermined distance to have a size that is larger than a size of the pattern. There is also provided a method of forming the holographic security element, and an article having one or more holographic security elements incorporated therein.

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, acquiring under ambient illumination an image of a label having an encoded region and an authentication region having a random distribution of reflective particles overlaying the encoded region. The encoded message is decoded from the image. An authentication image of the label is obtained according to an image capture configuration. The authentication image includes a reflection pattern of the random distribution of reflective particles. The reflection pattern is associated with the decoded message and an authenticity of the label is determined according to the association and based on a comparison of the reflection pattern to an authenticated reference reflection pattern. Authenticity of the label is determined responsive to the comparison indicating substantial match between the reflection pattern and the authenticated reference reflection pattern. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, acquiring under ambient illumination an image of a label having an encoded region and an authentication region having a random distribution of reflective particles overlaying the encoded region. The encoded message is decoded from the image. An authentication image of the label is obtained according to an image capture configuration. The authentication image includes a reflection pattern of the random distribution of reflective particles. The reflection pattern is associated with the decoded message and an authenticity of the label is determined according to the association and based on a comparison of the reflection pattern to an authenticated reference reflection pattern. Authenticity of the label is determined responsive to the comparison indicating substantial match between the reflection pattern and the authenticated reference reflection pattern. Other embodiments are disclosed.