A visual security feature is provided that is disposed on a target. The visual security feature includes two substantially transparent layers. At least one of the two substantially transparent layers is present in an image-wise pattern.

A visual security feature is provided that is disposed on a target. The visual security feature includes two substantially transparent layers. At least one of the two substantially transparent layers is present in an image-wise pattern.

A method for determining whether a candidate barcode is genuine involves acquiring an image of an original barcode, wherein the original barcode includes a plurality of modules; determining, from the image of the original barcode, a deviation of a position of at least one of the plurality of modules of the original barcode from an idealized grid; encoding the deviation as signature data for the original barcode; storing the signature data for the original barcode on a storage device; acquiring an image of the candidate barcode, wherein the candidate barcode includes a plurality of modules; determining, from the image of the candidate barcode, a deviation of a position of at least one of the plurality of modules of the candidate barcode from the idealized grid; retrieving the signature data for the original barcode from the storage device; comparing the signature data for the original barcode with signature data for the candidate barcode; and making a determination that the candidate barcode is genuine or not genuine based on a result of the comparison.

A method for determining whether a candidate barcode is genuine involves acquiring an image of an original barcode, wherein the original barcode includes a plurality of modules; determining, from the image of the original barcode, a deviation of a position of at least one of the plurality of modules of the original barcode from an idealized grid; encoding the deviation as signature data for the original barcode; storing the signature data for the original barcode on a storage device; acquiring an image of the candidate barcode, wherein the candidate barcode includes a plurality of modules; determining, from the image of the candidate barcode, a deviation of a position of at least one of the plurality of modules of the candidate barcode from the idealized grid; retrieving the signature data for the original barcode from the storage device; comparing the signature data for the original barcode with signature data for the candidate barcode; and making a determination that the candidate barcode is genuine or not genuine based on a result of the comparison.

A method for determining whether a candidate barcode is genuine includes acquiring an image of an original barcode; determining, from the image of the original barcode, a deviation of at least one of a plurality of modules from an idealized grid, a deviation of the continuous edge of the original barcode from a nominal shape, or a deviation in average color of a module of the original barcode from the average for neighboring modules of the original barcode; comparing the numeric data for an original barcode with equivalent numeric data in the candidate barcode; and making a determination that the candidate mark is genuine or not genuine based on a result of the comparison.

A method for determining whether a candidate barcode is genuine includes acquiring an image of an original barcode; determining, from the image of the original barcode, a deviation of at least one of a plurality of modules from an idealized grid, a deviation of the continuous edge of the original barcode from a nominal shape, or a deviation in average color of a module of the original barcode from the average for neighboring modules of the original barcode; comparing the numeric data for an original barcode with equivalent numeric data in the candidate barcode; and making a determination that the candidate mark is genuine or not genuine based on a result of the comparison.

Systems and methods are described for securing credentials with optical security features formed by quasi-random optical characteristics (QROCs) of credential substrates. A QROC can be a pattern of substrate element locations (SELs) on the substrate that includes some SELs that differ in optical response from surrounding SELs. During manufacturing, a QROC of a substrate can be characterized, hidden by a masking layer, and associated with a substrate identifier. During personalization, personalization data can be converted into an authentication graphic formed on the substrate by de-masking portions of the masking layer according to a de-masking pattern. The graphic formation can result in a representation that manifests a predetermined optical response only when the de-masking pattern is computed with knowledge of the hidden QROC. The authentication graphic and optical response can facilitate simple human authentication of the credential without complex or expensive detection equipment.

Systems and methods are described for securing credentials with optical security features formed by quasi-random optical characteristics (QROCs) of credential substrates. A QROC can be a pattern of substrate element locations (SELs) on the substrate that includes some SELs that differ in optical response from surrounding SELs. During manufacturing, a QROC of a substrate can be characterized, hidden by a masking layer, and associated with a substrate identifier. During personalization, personalization data can be converted into an authentication graphic formed on the substrate by de-masking portions of the masking layer according to a de-masking pattern. The graphic formation can result in a representation that manifests a predetermined optical response only when the de-masking pattern is computed with knowledge of the hidden QROC. The authentication graphic and optical response can facilitate simple human authentication of the credential without complex or expensive detection equipment.

A system for verifying the authenticity of a printed mark includes an image acquisition device that acquires an image of a printed mark. In one implementation, the printed mark includes an identifier that identifies the group or class of an item to which the printed mark is to be (or has been) attached. The system may also include one or more processors that carry out actions such as receiving the image from the image acquisition device; analyzing the image to identify artifacts in the printed mark, retrieving a genuine mark signature from a data storage containing genuine mark signatures, comparing the identified artifacts with the genuine mark signature, and determining whether the unverified item is authentic based on the comparison.

A system for verifying the authenticity of a printed mark includes an image acquisition device that acquires an image of a printed mark. In one implementation, the printed mark includes an identifier that identifies the group or class of an item to which the printed mark is to be (or has been) attached. The system may also include one or more processors that carry out actions such as receiving the image from the image acquisition device; analyzing the image to identify artifacts in the printed mark, retrieving a genuine mark signature from a data storage containing genuine mark signatures, comparing the identified artifacts with the genuine mark signature, and determining whether the unverified item is authentic based on the comparison.