Patent ID: 7360081
Filing Date: 2008-04-15
Classification: G07F

Abstract:
1. A method of certifying a plurality of articles, the method comprising the steps of: selecting a common inherent feature of the articles, the feature being digitizable in the form of digital feature data; the feature being selected, such that the articles are divided into n classes, wherein n is smaller than the number of articles constituting the plurality of articles, and wherein all the articles in each class are represented by respective unique digital class feature data derived from the feature; forming an identification code for each article in each class comprising the respective unique digital class feature data and at least one of data relating to an identity of a party performing the method and data relating to an origin of the article; encrypting the identification code utilizing a private key of an asymmetric key pair associated with the party performing the method, the key pair also comprising a public key; the private key being a secret key and the public key being controlled by a trusted third party; and making the encrypted identification code available for subsequent authentication of the article.