Patent ID: 8297523
Filing Date: 2012-10-30
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
1. A method of securing a barcode and subsequently authenticating a barcode, the method comprising the steps of: (A) printing a two-part code comprising a first unique abstract part and a second part comprising a barcode containing alphanumeric data which is to be secured; (B) securing the barcodes by reading the first part and applying an algorithm to produce a descriptor, reading the second part comprising the barcode and decoding it to produce the alphanumeric data which it contains, and associating the first and second parts on a storage means by pairing the descriptor with at least part of the alphanumeric data contained in the barcode; and (C) subsequently authenticating a barcode of a two-part code by: reading the first part and applying an algorithm to produce a descriptor, reading the second part comprising the barcode and decoding it to produce the alphanumeric data which it contains, checking if the first and second parts are associated on the storage means by comparing the pairing of the descriptor and the alphanumeric data with pairings on the storage means, and indicating that the barcode is authentic if the same pairing can be found, or indicating that the barcode is fake if the pairing cannot be found.