The disclosure features methods for generating a unique identifier, the methods including providing a dendritic structure, reading the dendritic structure to provide a signal, and generating a unique identifier from the signal.

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the production and labeling of objects in a manner suitable for the prevention and detection of counterfeiting. Thus, the system incorporates a variety of features that make unauthorized reproduction difficult. In addition, the present invention provides a system and method for providing a dynamically reconfigurable watermark, and the use of the watermark to encode a stochastically variable property of the carrier medium for self-authentication purposes.

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the production and labeling of objects in a manner suitable for the prevention and detection of counterfeiting. Thus, the system incorporates a variety of features that make unauthorized reproduction difficult. In addition, the present invention provides an efficient means for the production of labels and verification of authenticity, whereby a recording apparatus which includes a recording medium, having anisotrophic optical domains, along with a means for transferring a portion of the recording medium to a carrier, wherein a bulk portion of the recording medium has macroscopically detectable anisotrophic optical properties and the detecting apparatus thereon.

The disclosure features dendritic tags, and methods and systems for fabricating and using such tags. The methods can include obtaining at least one image of a dendritic tag attached to an article, analyzing the at least one image to identify a set of features associated with the dendritic tag, and comparing the set of features to stored information to identify the article.

Data processing apparatus is provided comprising one or more processors. The data processing apparatus may be configured to perform a method of determining authentication data for authenticating an object comprising one or more identification elements which are detectable when electromagnetic radiation is incident thereon. The method may comprise obtaining image data relating to one or more of the identification element(s) of the object, processing the image data to determine outline data relating to outline(s) of one or more of the identification element(s) to which the image data relates and determining the authentication data from the outline data.

The disclosure features dendritic tags, and methods and systems for fabricating and using such tags. The methods can include obtaining at least one image of a dendritic tag attached to an article, analyzing the at least one image to identify a set of features associated with the dendritic tag, and comparing the set of features to stored information to identify the article.

A delivery management server, connected over a network to a user terminal used by a receiver who is a delivery destination of a delivery object or a carrier who delivers the delivery object, includes registration means for writing identification information of the delivery object and a first image in which a random pattern on a surface of the delivery object is captured, into a storage means in association with each other; matching means for performing matching between a second image in which a random pattern on a surface of the delivery object is captured, received from the user terminal, and the first image stored in the storage means; and confirmation recording means for, based on the matching result, recording, on the storage means, confirmation information that gives a confirmation that the user of the user terminal received the delivery object identified by the identification information associated with the first image.

A pill bottle for prescribed pills includes: a circular top portion having an aperture; a circular bottom portion; walls that form a cylinder and connect the circular top portion with the circular bottom portion; and a pattern of electrically conductive ink disposed on an exterior surface of the walls.

Disclosed is a method for associating a marking with an object, including the following steps:—identifying the position of at least two different elements of the marking in relation to the marking and/or the object; and—measuring a relative distance between at least two identified elements; then—recording in a database the position of at least two identified elements, and the relative distance between the identified elements so that the position of two identified elements is correlated with the measurement relating to their distance.

System and method for using one or more entropically configured distinct physical features (a “IDENTROPY”) for establishing trust, accountability, and transparency with respect to physical items are disclosed. Such system and method are useful, among other things, for detecting counterfeit physical items.