A Label for Identifying an Object, A Precursor of the Label, A Method of Reading the Label, and a Method of Manufacturing the Label

Abstract

The invention relates to a label (30) for identifying an object, the label comprising a plurality of layers (L.sub.1, L.sub.2, L.sub.3), wherein each layer comprises a matrix material (15), and each layer comprises a plurality of identifier elements (10, 11); the plurality of identifier elements (10, 11) are dispersed in the matrix material (15), and the plurality of layers (L) are arranged so that at least two layers at least partially overlap each other. Further, the invention relates to a precursor of a label (30) for identifying an object and a method of manufacturing a label (30) for identifying an object.

Claims

1. A label for identifying an object, comprising: a plurality of layers, wherein each layer comprises a matrix material; and each layer comprises a plurality of identifier elements; the plurality of identifier elements in each layer are dispersed in the matrix material corresponding to each such layer; and the plurality of layers are arranged so that at least two layers at least partially overlap one another. wherein: (a) at least a first layer of the plurality of layers comprises first identifier elements disposed in a first matrix material thereof; (b) a second layer different from the first layer of the plurality of layers comprises second identifier elements disposed in a second matrix material thereof; and (c) at least one of the first identifier elements and the second identifier elements comprises one or more of ink, a colored liquid, faded contours, undefined boundaries, bubbles, color streaks, smudges of color, color smears, color streaks, and flowmarks.

2. A label for identifying an object according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first matrix material, the second matrix material, the first identifier elements, and the second identifier elements are selected from the group consisting of an initially solid material, an initially liquid material, and a material that is initially in a liquid state that later solidifies.

3. A label for identifying an object according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second identifier elements is selected from the group consisting of an at least an initially solid element, an at least initially liquid element, and an element that is initially in a liquid state but that later solidifies.

4. A label for identifying an object according to claim 1, wherein at least one overlapping layer is transparent for at least one of electromagnetic waves, visible light and for x-rays.

5. A label for identifying an object according to claim 1, wherein the first layer of the plurality of layers comprises the first identifier elements and the first matrix material and the second layer comprises the second identifier elements and the end matrix material, and wherein the first identifier elements are different from the second identifier elements.

6. A label for identifying an object according to claim 5, wherein the first identifier elements have a different size, color or shape, or are formed from a different material, than the second identifier elements.

7. A label for identifying an object according to claim 1, wherein the label further comprises a substrate supporting the plurality of layers.

8. A method of reading the label of claim 1, the method comprising reading the label at a first level corresponding to the first layer, and reading the label at a second level corresponding to the second layer.

9. A precursor of a label for identifying an object, the precursor comprising: a plurality of layers, wherein: each layer comprises a matrix material; each layer comprises a plurality of identifier elements; in each layer, the plurality of identifier elements are dispersed in a corresponding matrix material, and in at least one layer, the matrix material corresponding thereto is at least initially in a non-solid liquid state so that the identifier elements disposed therein are at least initially moveable or at least initially can disperse within the matrix material, and further wherein at least one of the first matrix material, the second matrix material, the first identifier elements, and the second identifier elements are selected from the group consisting of an initially solid material, an initially liquid material, and a material that is initially in a liquid state but that subsequently solidifies, and further wherein at least one of the first identifier elements and the second identifier elements comprises one or more of ink, a colored liquid, faded contours, undefined boundaries, bubbles, color streaks, smudges of color, color smears, color streaks, and flowmarks.

10. A precursor of a label for identifying an object according to claim 9, wherein at least a first layer of the plurality of layers comprises first identifier elements and a first matrix material and a second anethe layer of the plurality of layers comprises second identifier elements and a second matrix material, and further wherein the first identifier elements are different from the second identifier elements.

11. A method of manufacturing a label for identifying an object, the label comprising a plurality of layers, wherein the method comprises: providing at least a first mixture and a second mixture, wherein the first mixture and the second mixture each comprise at least initially a non-solid liquid matrix material; the first mixture comprises a plurality of first identifier elements, and the second mixture comprises a plurality of second identifier elements; wherein, in at least one of the first and second mixtures, the first or second identifier elements are dispersed in the non-solid liquid matrix material corresponding thereto and at least one of the first identifier elements and the second identifier elements comprises one or more of ink, a colored liquid, faded contours, undefined boundaries, bubbles, color streaks, smudges of color, color smears, color streaks, and flowmarks; solidifying the matrix material of the first mixture so as to form a first layer of the label; and solidifying the matrix material of the second mixture so as to form a second layer of the label.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the first layer and the second layer are configured so that they at least partially overlap each other.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein the solidifying of the matrix material of the first mixture and the solidifying of the matrix material of the second mixture are performed one after the other.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein the matrix material of the second mixture is solidified when the second mixture is arranged so as to at least partially overlap with the solidified first layer.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein the method further comprises: arranging the first mixture and the second mixture at least partially on top of each other, and wherein the matrix material of at least one mixture is in a non-solid liquid.

16. The method according to claim 11, wherein the method further comprises: arranging at least one of the first layer and the second layer at least partially atop the other.

17. The method according to claim 11, further comprising forming the plurality of layers on a substrate.

18. The method according to claim 11, further comprising validating or authenticating the label by reading the label to generate at least one control digital image.

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising scanning the label at the time the label is manufactured to generate the original digital image.

20. The method according to claim 18, wherein the label is read by a smartphone, high-speed camera, an optical device, an infrared device, a fluorescence device, and an x-ray device.

21. The method according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the first identifier elements and the second identifier elements is randomly distributed within the first matrix material and the second matrix material, respectively.

22. A label for identifying an object according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first identifier elements and the second identifier elements is randomly distributed within the first matrix material and the second matrix material, respectively.

23. A precursor of a label for identifying an object according to claim 9, wherein at least one of the first identifier elements and the second identifier elements is randomly distributed within the first matrix material and the second matrix material, respectively.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0121] Hereinafter, non-limiting examples of the invention are explained with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0122] FIG. 1 shows a label according to a first embodiment of the present invention, when viewed in the overlapping direction of the plurality of layers.

[0123] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a label according to a second embodiment of the present invention, when viewed perpendicular to the overlapping direction.

[0124] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a label according to a third embodiment of the present invention, when viewed perpendicular to the overlapping direction.

[0125] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a label according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention with the label comprising a substrate, when viewed perpendicular to the overlapping direction.

[0126] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a label according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention with the label comprising the substrate and the reference element, when viewed perpendicular to the overlapping direction.

[0127] FIGS. 6A-6C show a manufacturing process of a label according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention in a cross-sectional view, when viewed perpendicular to the overlapping direction.

[0128] FIGS. 7A-7D show a manufacturing process of a label according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention in a cross-sectional view, when viewed perpendicular to the overlapping direction.

[0129] FIG. 8 shows a validation method of a label according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0130] Hereafter, some aspects of the present disclosure are described. Single features of the following embodiments or modifications thereof may be combined with features of other embodiments or modifications so as to form further embodiments.

[0131] FIG. 1 shows a label 30 of a first embodiment of the present invention. The label 30 of the first embodiment comprises a plurality of layers, wherein each layer comprises a matrix material 15 and identifier elements 10, 11, a substrate 40, and a character element 60. Optionally, the label 30 can further comprise no substrate 40 and no character element 60. The substrate 40 has a surface 40, e.g. a surface of a foil, on which the character element 60 is printed. Alternatively, the label can be formed on the irregular surface of the object, so that the irregular surface of the object is traced or forms marks or a complex pattern in at least one layer of the plurality of layers of the label (not shown). The character element 60 can be a number or a text, in particular a serial number 60, for identifying the label. The first type of the identifier elements 10 are solid elements which have a cubic shape, are made of a metal or polymer, and are chaotically distributed in the matrix material. The second type of the identifier elements 11 are inhomogeneously distributed in the matrix material 15. The identifier elements 11 are ink or ink drops or ink aggregates which have been solidified by the matrix material. The identifier elements 11 form within the matrix material a colored streak or color smear. The matrix material is a polymer which can be cured or solidified at room temperature. The matrix material could also be a resin, wax or polymer that is cured or solidified through UV light or at high temperatures or pressures. The lowermost layer of the plurality of layers in the overlapping direction comprises the first type of the identifier elements 10, wherein the uppermost layer of the plurality of layers in the overlapping direction comprises the second type of the identifier elements 11. The two layers of the label 30 are arranged on top of each other so that the two layers overlap each other completely. The label of the first embodiment can be validated by reading the label at least in two focal levels or focal points and by additionally reading the character element 60, in particular a serial number or a logo, by the use of a validation device. Validation device can read the label 30 at the two focal levels or two focal points and can provide a control digital image. With the aid of the character element 60, the original digital image of the label 30 can be selected from the database. In an additional step, the similarity of the original digital image with the control digital image is calculated. If there is a match between the original digital image and the control digital image, the label 30 can be identified. However, the validation process can be performed without the use the character element 60. When the validation process is performed without the use of the character element 60, the pattern of the identifier elements in the label itself can be read during the reading process in addition to the digital images. The pattern of the identifier elements can then be read as a further code. The validation process may be performed by reading the relative positions of the identifier elements in the label. Additionally, the character element 60 can be a text and can indicate the user which validation process might be applied to identify the label 30. Alternatively to the character element, the reference element in the matrix material may be used for the reading process and validation process in addition to the identifier elements.

[0132] The label 30 can have a thickness in the overlapping direction in the range of 0.1 mm and 5 mm. In addition, the label 30 of the first embodiment has a circular shape (see FIG. 1). However, the shape of the label 30 is not limited to a circular shape, and many other shapes can be realized for the label, e.g. square shaped, polygonal, non-polygonal, irregular or rectangular. Preferably, the label 30 comprises at least two layers, but can comprise at least three layers or any number between four and twenty layers.

[0133] In a second embodiment, the label 30 comprises two layers L.sub.1 and L.sub.2, which are arranged on top of each other so that the first layer, which is the lowermost layer of the label in the overlapping direction, is 100% overlapped by the second layer of the plurality of layers. In the first layer L.sub.1, the identifier element 11 is a liquid element 11, which is surrounded by the matrix material 15. The second layer L.sub.2 comprises the identifier elements 10 and the matrix material 15. In the second embodiment the liquid elements 11 are previous colored liquid that have been solidified by the matrix material 15. In particular, the liquid elements 11 are ink. The identifier elements 10 are cubic shaped metal particles or polymer particles, which are opaque and have the same color. The second embodiment is distinguished from the first embodiment that the first layer L.sub.1 comprises the identifier elements 11 instead of the identifier elements 10, and that the second layer L.sub.2 comprises the identifier elements 10 instead of the identifier elements 11 within the matrix material 15. In the second embodiment only two layers are described however, the label 30 can comprise more than two layers. In addition, the identifier elements 10, 11 comprises more elements than the illustrated number in the cross-section of the label in FIG. 2 when viewed perpendicular to the overlapping direction.

[0134] In a third embodiment, the label comprises three layers L.sub.1, L.sub.2, L.sub.3 which are arranged so that all three layers are overlapping each other, i.e. all three layers are arranged congruently on top of each other. Each of the layers L.sub.1, L.sub.3 of the three layers L.sub.1, L.sub.2, L.sub.3 comprises a plurality of identifier elements 10, 11 and each layer comprises the matrix material 15. The plurality of the identifier elements 10, 11 are dispersed in the matrix material 15. In this third embodiment, no further layer, such as the substrate 40 or an adhesive layer, are described or illustrated, however, the substrate 40 or a further layer can be provided. In the first and third layer L1 and L3, identifier elements 10 are cubic elements which extend in the radial direction. In FIG. 3, a cross-section of the label 30 is shown, when the label is cut by a plane which is parallel to the overlapping direction, which further shows the identifier elements 10 in a cross-section. The identifier elements 10 of the third embodiment can be made from a metal or a polymer. Even though the second layer L.sub.2 of the third embodiment comprises no identifier elements, the second layer can optionally comprise identifier elements 10, 11.

[0135] The label 30 of a fourth embodiment comprises three layers L.sub.1, L.sub.2, and L.sub.3 and the substrate 40. Each layer of the three layers L.sub.1, L.sub.2, and L.sub.3 comprises a plurality of identifier elements 10, 11 and the matrix material 15. In the first and second layer L.sub.1 and L.sub.2 the first type of identifier elements 10 are distributed in the matrix material. In the third layer L.sub.3, the second type of identifier elements 11 are dispersed. The three layers L.sub.1, L.sub.2, and L.sub.3 are arranged so that all layers L.sub.1, L.sub.2, and L.sub.3 overlap each other. However, it is possible that the three layers L.sub.1, L.sub.2, and L.sub.3 or at least two layers of the plurality of layers at least partially overlap each other. In this embodiment, the second type of identifier elements 11 is ink, e.g. the ink can be colored in blue, red green, or any combinations thereof, and the ink is solidified in the label 30. The identifier elements 10 are solid particles, e.g. metal particles. The identifier elements 11 are mixed with the matrix material 15 inhomogeneously, so that the number of the identifier elements 11 per unit volume of the matrix material 15 change within one layer. In this embodiment, the three layers L.sub.1, L.sub.2, and L.sub.3 are arranged on the substrate 40. The fourth embodiment is distinguished from the third embodiment by the substrate 40 and the arrangement of the plurality of layers and the distribution of the identifier elements 10,11 in each layer of the plurality of layers.

[0136] In the fifth embodiment, the label 30 comprises a plurality of layers L.sub.1, L.sub.2, and L.sub.3, with each layer comprising a matrix material 15 and a plurality of identifier elements 10, 11. The plurality of layers L.sub.1, L.sub.2, and L.sub.3 are arranged so that at least two layers at least partially overlap each other. In particular all three layers are arranged to overlap each to 100%. Preferably, all three layers L.sub.1, L.sub.2, and L.sub.3 are arranged on top of each other. The fifth embodiment is distinguished from the first to fourth embodiment in that the label 30 further comprises the reference element 20. The reference element 20 is surrounded by the matrix material. The reference element can extend from the first layer L.sub.1 to the third layer L.sub.3. The reference element 20 has an elongated shape and can be made out of a polymer or a metal. Alternatively, the reference element 20 can extend in the radial direction of the label and can be placed in the matrix material of the second layer L.sub.1 to extend in the radial direction. The reference element 20 can be a planar element or a sheet element. The reference element 20 can be a foil, a sheet, a polymer. The reference element 20 may also be placed in the third layer L.sub.3.

[0137] In FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C, a method of manufacturing a label according to the present invention is illustrated. Preferably, the label 30 of the third embodiment (FIG. 3) is manufactured by this method.

[0138] The method of manufacturing a label 30 for identifying an object comprises the following steps of providing at least a first mixture and a second mixture, wherein the first mixture and the second mixture each comprise a non-solid matrix material 15, in particular a liquid state, the first mixture comprises a plurality of identifier elements 10, 11, and the second mixture comprises a plurality of identifier elements 10, 11, wherein, in each mixture, the plurality of identifier elements 10, 11 are dispersed in the non-solid matrix material 15. The plurality of identifier elements 10, 11 can freely and randomly move within the non-solid matrix material 15 and can, thus, form complex structures. The identifier elements can freely distribute in the non-solid matrix material and can form natural shapes, which are irregular shapes. Afterwards the step is performed of solidifying the matrix material 15 of the first mixture so as to form a first layer L.sub.1 of the label 30, and solidifying the matrix material 15 of the second mixture so as to form a second layer L.sub.2 of the label 30.

[0139] In particular, the first layer L.sub.1, comprising the matrix material 15 and identifier elements 10, is formed (FIG. 6A) by dispersing the identifier elements 10 in the matrix material 15, which is in a non-solid state. The non-solid state of the matrix material is a liquid state. The non-solid state of the matrix material 15 is a state where the identifier elements 15 can freely and randomly move within the matrix material 15. Optionally, the first layer can be directly formed on a surface of the object.

[0140] The second layer L.sub.2 is formed on top of the first layer L.sub.1. The second layer L2 comprises the matrix material 15 and the dispersed identifier elements 10, wherein the identifier elements 10 of the first layer L.sub.1 and the second layer L.sub.2 can be the same. The matrix material 15 of the second layer L.sub.2 can be cured or solidified, after the first layer L.sub.1 is cured or solidified. The second layer L.sub.2 is arranged on top of the first layer L.sub.1 (FIG. 6B). The second mixture of the second layer L.sub.2 can be cured or solidified when the second mixture is arranged on the first layer L.sub.1.

[0141] Optionally, a reference element 20 (not shown in FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C) can be placed on top of the first layer L.sub.1 before the second layer L.sub.2 is formed on top of the first layer L.sub.1 or can be placed on top of the second layer L.sub.2 before the third layer L.sub.3 is formed on top of the second layer L.sub.1.

[0142] The third layer L.sub.3 is formed on top of the second layer L.sub.2 (FIG. 6C). The third layer L2 comprises the matrix material 15 and the dispersed identifier elements 10, wherein the identifier elements 10 of the first layer L.sub.1, the second layer L.sub.2, and the third layer L.sub.3 can be the same. The matrix material 15 of the third layer L.sub.3 can be cured or solidified, after the first layer L.sub.1 is cured or solidified. The third layer L.sub.3 comprises the matrix material 15 and the identifier elements 11. In all three layers, the matrix material 15 can be the same material, e.g. a polymer, resin or a wax. The third layer L.sub.3 is arranged on top of the second layer L.sub.2 (FIG. 6C). The three layers can be cured or solidified subsequently. It is, however, possible that all three layers L.sub.1, L.sub.2, and L.sub.3 of the label 30 can be cured at the same time. After each of the layers is cured, all three layers L.sub.1, L.sub.2, and L.sub.3 can be additionally cured in a final step. The curing of the matrix material 15 is performed at room temperature. Additionally or alternatively, the curing of the matrix material 15 can be performed by applying a predetermined temperature and/or pressure, or by applying a UV-light. However, other curing steps may be performed, depending on the material of the matrix material 15.

[0143] Another method of manufacturing the label 30 (FIG. 7A to FIG. 7D) according to the present invention, e.g. the label of the third embodiment (FIG. 3), comprises the method step of providing at least a first mixture (FIG. 7A), a second mixture (FIG. 7B), and a third mixture (FIG. 7C), wherein the first mixture, the second mixture, and the third each comprise a non-solid matrix material 15, in particular liquid matrix material 15, and each mixture comprises a plurality of identifier elements 10, 11, wherein, in each mixture the plurality of identifier elements 10, 11 are dispersed in the non-solid matrix material 15. Moreover, the matrix material 15 of the first mixture is solidified so as to form a first layer L.sub.1 of the label 30 (FIG. 7A), the matrix material 15 of the second mixture is solidified so as to form a second layer L.sub.2 of the label 30 (FIG. 7B), and the matrix material 15 of the third mixture is solidified so as to form a third layer L.sub.3 of the label 30 (FIG. 7C).

[0144] The first layer L.sub.1, comprising the matrix material 15 and identifier elements 10, is formed (FIG. 7A) by dispersing the identifier elements 10 in the matrix material 15, which is in a non-solid state. The non-solid state of the matrix material is a liquid state. The non-solid state of the matrix material 15 is a state where the identifier elements 15 can freely move within the matrix material 15. Optionally, the first layer can be formed on the irregular surface of the object.

[0145] The second layer L.sub.2 is formed and comprises the matrix material 15 and the dispersed identifier elements 10 (FIG. 7B), wherein the identifier elements 10 of the first layer L.sub.1 and the second layer L.sub.2 can be the same. The matrix material 15 of the second layer L.sub.2 can be cured or solidified after the first layer L.sub.1 is cured or solidified.

[0146] The third layer L.sub.3 comprises the matrix material 15 and the identifier elements 11 (FIG. 7C). In all three layers, the matrix material 15 can be the same material, e.g. a polymer, a resin or a wax.

[0147] In other words, the first layer L.sub.1 and/or the second layer L.sub.2 and/or the third layer L.sub.3 can be formed separately and can be arranged on top of each other, when each matrix material 15 is in a solid state.

[0148] The three layers can be cured or solidified subsequently. It is, however, possible that all three layers L.sub.1, L.sub.2, and L.sub.3 of the label 30 can be cured at the same time. Each of the layers L.sub.1, L.sub.2, and L.sub.3 are arranged so as to partially overlap each other, preferably on top of each other, so that the second layer is on top of the first layer and that the third layer is on top of the second layer.

[0149] After each of the layers is cured, all three layers L.sub.1, L.sub.2, and L.sub.3 can be additionally cured in a final step. The curing of the matrix material 15 is performed at room temperature. Additionally or alternatively, the curing of the matrix material 15 can be performed under a certain temperature and/or pressure, or under UV-light. However, other curing steps may be performed, depending on the material of the matrix material 15.

[0150] The validation process of the label 30 is described with reference to FIG. 8. A method of identifying the label for an object may comprise the steps, as illustrated in FIG. 8. In a first step S1 the manufactured label 30, e.g. the label of the previous embodiments, is read by a validation device to produce a first original digital image. The first original digital image can comprise two original digital images S1A, S1B. The two original digital images S1A, S1B are read or are determined or are scanned by a validation device in the manufactured label 30, e.g. in one focal point at two different viewing angles or at two different focal point with the same viewing angle. In a first focal point the first original digital image S1A is read or scanned. In a second focal point the second original digital image S1B is read or scanned.

[0151] By the two original digital images S1A, S1B in the first step S1, the validation device recognizes the complex pattern of the plurality of layers of the label 30 in a second step S2. In particular, the first original digital image S1A and second original digital image S1B of the label 30 are the original digital images which need to be saved in a database to be later identified. The validation device recognizes the complex pattern of the label in the second step S2 and calculates the pattern of the digital images. The complex pattern of the label may comprise the complex pattern of the identifier elements in each layer of the plurality of layers of the label, and optionally the reference element and/or the irregular surface of the substrate or object's surface in the label.

[0152] In a third step S3, the validation device stores the data of the label 30. In this third step S3, the data of the unique pattern of a plurality of layers of the label 30 is stored in a database. The storing process can be performed by a remote access to the database.

[0153] During the third step S3, additional information or data of the object, where the label is attached to or provided for can be saved in the database. While the third step S3, the label for identifying an object is placed on the object. The label for identifying an object can be placed on the object or can be directly manufactured on the object.

[0154] When the label 30 is attached or provided on an object, a user can identify the label by using the validation device.

[0155] In a fourth step S4, the user scans or reads the label 30 on an object and produces at least two control digital images S4A, S4B. However, the user could take more scans or digital images than two. The scanning or reading of the label 30 is performed by scanning or reading the label 30 at a first focal point or focal level and producing a first control digital image S4A, then the label 30 is scanned or read at a second focal point or focal level, or at a different angle by the validation device relative to the overlapping direction of the label and a second control digital image S4B is produced. On other words, the label 30 on the object is scanned by a validation device to produce a control digital image S4A, S4B. Furthermore, in the fourth step S4, the validation device computes the similarity of the scanned control digital images (e.g. unique pattern of a plurality of layers). This calculation can be based on the calculation which determines if the control digital image is identical to the original digital image. The validation device has always or in certain intervals access to a database where the original digital images of multiple labels 30 are stored. Thus, the validation device can search in the database for the original digital image of the label 30. Moreover, the validation device can access the database with the additional information of the character element 60, e.g. the serial number 60 or the text 60, to select only the one data of the original digital image. During the calculation in the fourth step S4, the digital images can be subdivided into a grid.

[0156] By the validation device in the fifth step S5, it is identified, if the control digital image S4A, S4B is similar/identical to the original digital image S1A, S2B of the label. A match is if the control digital image is nearly identical to the original digital image of a label. If there is no match between the original digital image S1A, S1B, the sixth step S6 is started, which indicates to a user of the validation device that there is no match and the label 30 is not identified, e.g. that the label is not genuine or a counterfeited.

[0157] If a match between the original digital image and the control digital image is found during the fifth step S5, this step can be repeated for every original digital image S1A,1B and for every control digital image S4A, S4B, depending on the complexity of the label or the protection levels of the label.

[0158] If a match between the original digital image and the control digital image is indicated in the fifth step S5, data is shown to the user of the validation device in a seventh step S7.

[0159] In the seventh step S7, data for identifying the object is received from the database. The data for identifying the object can be any kind of data that is connected to the complex pattern of a plurality of layers of the label 30, which is stored in the database. Moreover, through the access to the database and showing of the data, the object can be identified by the label. Additional, further information about the object can be indicated to a user, which has access.

[0160] Preferably, the original and control digital image S1A, S1B, S4A, S4B comprises two or more digital images of the label 30, with each digital image may be read from at least two different angles or directions of the label 30, with the one angle/direction being dissimilar to another angle/direction.

[0161] In another aspect, the at least two digital images of the original and control digital image may be read at least at two different focal points or focal levels within the plurality of layers of the label 30. All elements at the first focal point/level may be clear and focused in the first image. In the second image, all elements at the second focal point/level may be clear and focused. The validation is done by comparing which elements are focused in each digital image of the label 30 to be validated. Optionally, the digital images may comprise further digital images than two digital images of the label 30.

[0162] The identifier elements defined in the embodiments one to five of the label are not restricted to the described and illustrated identifier elements and can be any identifier element that is defined previously. Details or alternative of the label are not repeated for each embodiment. However, all defined combinations are possible.

[0163] While various aspects of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein. Thus, the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments but is defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

[0164] The label, precursor and methods described herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the characteristics thereof. The foregoing aspects are illustrative rather than limiting of the described products and methods.