Patent ID: 8247018
Filing Date: 2012-08-21
Classification: G01N,G09F,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of authenticating a coated product, comprising the steps of: a) associating a population of entities with the product, wherein the population comprises at least two distinct clusters of entities having detectable absolute counts or relative counts of entities per cluster; b) assigning a signature array of the population of entities to the product as a product authentication code, wherein the signature array comprises information about the absolute counts or relative counts of entities of at least two distinct clusters of entities within the population; wherein information about the signature array and the product authentication code is recorded and wherein absolute count is the count or number measured in all or a portion of said coated product and relative count is a ratio between two or more absolute counts; c) analyzing the product to obtain a measured signature array of the population of entities associated with the product; d) comparing the measured signature array with that which is expected based on the recorded information; and e) accepting the product as authenticated when the measured signature array matches that which is expected.