Method and system for tracking and authenticating articles

The present invention relates to a method and system for tracking, issuing, and authenticating gear or articles, such as uniforms, badges, equipment, weapons, etc, for use in law enforcement or other official capacity. An authentication system retrieves encoded information read by a reader from a plurality of different markers. A database is queried to retrieve biometric data corresponding to each marker whereby the biometric data is displayed on a display. A uniform having a computer-readable marker visible under ultraviolet light and an additional marker. A system for issuing one of the articles by authenticating an officer and storing the identity and encoded information in a database. An apparatus for applying a plurality of markers by way of a conveyor belt conveying the article by an ink jet printer and a laser engraver.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to tracking and authenticating articles. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and system for tracking and authenticating issued gear or articles for use in law enforcement or other official capacity such as uniforms, badges, equipment, etc.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Police officer impersonation presents a significant problem for law enforcement. Police officers typically have a respected position in society and the public is reliant on these officers in order to keep them safe from crime. As the public inherently trusts a law enforcement official, an impersonator is able to make demands without resistance. This impersonation erodes the public trust. Historically, society has relied on uniforms and badges to identify people of authority. Uniforms and badges were elaborate and difficult to reproduce and the capability of producing these was from secured manufacturers. In modern times, much of the equipment has been made available for purchase by the general public enabling imposters to obtain the necessary materials to commit such a crime.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,406,480 to International Business Machines Corp., herein incorporated by reference, discloses an officer showing a badge to a user who is unsure of whether the badge is actually legitimate. The user captures an image of the badge using a cell phone camera and transmits the image to a badge information service over the web. The badge information service includes databases containing badge information and issuing authority information. The badge information service uses this information to verify the particulars of the badge and the officer. Upon receipt of a request from the user, the badge information service analyzes the image against images stored in one or more databases. The badge information service determines, based on the image analysis, whether the badge presented by the officer is valid. If not, the badge information service informs the user that the badge appears to be invalid.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,522,056 to V.H. Blackinton & Co., Inc., herein incorporated by reference, discloses a badge including a badge body constructed and arranged to support one or more components of the badge, such as an officer's badge number, and indicia indicating the organization with which the officer is affiliated. The badge body is made of metal, and an RFID device is attached to the badge body. The RFID device includes a coil antenna and a processor in communication with the coil antenna arranged to function as an RFID transponder. At least one antenna-enhancing structure may be attached to the badge body and be adjacent the coil antenna so as to enhance an ability of the RFID device to communicate wirelessly with an RFID reader.

Although the aforementioned references provide improvements on the badge, police officers have been known to occasionally misplace or lose their badge. A person who finds the badge may still use the badge for illicit purposes as it is identical to an official badge. This is especially a problem if the person has acquired a facsimile uniform which is relatively easy to do. Furthermore, guards at checkpoints may assume the “officer” is legitimate as the imposter has a badge. Therefore, one object of this invention to at least provide a novel method and system for independently authenticating an official using multiple authentication criteria.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a system of authenticating an official comprising: a display; a processor; and a memory unit. The processor retrieves encoded information read by a reader from a plurality of markers on at least one article, each of the markers being different. The processor queries, over a network transceiver, a database stored on a server using the encoded information to retrieve biometric data corresponding to each marker. The biometric data is displayed on the display. If the processor detects a mismatch between the biometric data corresponding to each marker, a display shows a notification indicating the mismatch. The display may be touch enabled and the system may be portable. Optionally, it may further have a metal detector.

When the article is read, the processor transmits location identifying and time information to the server for recording in the database.

According to another aspect of the invention, a computer-implemented method comprising: retrieving encoded information read by a reader from a plurality of markers on at least one article, each of the markers being different; querying a database stored on a server using the encoded information; retrieving biometric data corresponding to each marker from the server; and displaying the biometric data on the display. In a case of a mismatch between the biometric data corresponding to each marker, a notification is displayed indicating the mismatch. The method may also transmit location identifying and time information to the server for recording in the database.

According to any aspect of the invention, the reader may be one or more of a barcode reader, a Quick Response reader, a black light reader, radio frequency reader, or a digital camera.

According to any aspect of the invention, the article may be a uniform or one or more of a badge, a flashlight, handcuffs, a vehicle key, eye protection, a riot shield, a baton, a personal video camera, boots, belts, gloves, a pepper spray, a conducted electrical weapon, another type of weapon, or a knife.

According to any aspect of the invention, the biometric data may be one or more of an institution identifier, a photograph, a name, a badge number, fingerprints, physical measurements, or retinal information.

Another aspect of the invention is a uniform having a computer-readable marker visible under ultraviolet light; and one or more additional computer-readable markers. The additional computer-readable markers may be one or more of a barcode, a two-dimensional barcode, a laser engraved code, or an radio frequency tag.

A further aspect of the invention is a system of issuing at least one piece of gear. The system has a display, a processor, and a memory unit comprising instructions to configure the processor to authenticate an identity of an officer; retrieve encoded information read by a reader from a plurality of markers on the gear, each of the markers being different; and transmit the identity of the officer and the encoded information over a network transceiver to a database stored on a server.

Another aspect of the invention is an apparatus of applying a plurality of markers to an article. The apparatus has a conveyor belt conveying an article past at least one coding device. The coding devices may be an ink jet printer applying at least a first marker to the article; and a laser engraver engraving at least a second marker to the article. The ink may be fluorescent under ultraviolet light. The two markers may be selected from one or more of a two-dimensional barcode, a conventional barcode, alphanumerical text, a pattern, and an identifiable graphic. The apparatus may optionally have one or more sensors to determine the location of the article on the conveyor belt. The apparatus may also have a digital camera to image the article following application of the first and second markers. The digital camera may take the images under a source of ultraviolet illumination. A computer system may generate two sets of unique codes for each marker and transmit them to the inkjet printer and laser engraver. The unique codes are stored in a database on the computer system or may be stored on a remove server. The markers may overlie each other.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

While the Background of Invention described above has identified particular problems known in the prior art, the present invention provides, in part, a new and useful application for tracking and authenticating gear or articles. Although the embodiments described herein below refer to an officer, the inventor contemplates that the method and system may be used for any official such as, but not limited to, a firefighter, security guard, emergency medical technician (EMT), doctor, nurse, orderly, soldier, postal carrier, airline pilot, etc.

FIG. 1Ashows a set of gear100for an officer comprising a uniform102, a badge104, and a piece of equipment106. Other gear or equipment (not shown) may comprise a flashlight, handcuffs, vehicle keys, eye protection, riot shields, other weapons, personal video camera equipment, boots, belts, gloves, and/or weapons such as pepper spray, Taser conducted electrical weapon, knives, etc. or any combination of equipment thereof. The uniform102comprises a hat, pants, and a shirt but additionally may include a coat (winter or otherwise), gloves, bullet proof vest, body armor, helmet, riot gear, etc. Each of the pieces of gear100are marked with a marker corresponding to a code as further disclosed below. Each of the markers comprise a sufficient number of digits or characters (or other complex pattern) to ensure a unique code for each of the officers in the population. Alternatively, in instances where a unique code is not required, the code may be shorter, such as codes associated with information common to a plurality of officers. For example, if the marker is associated with the precinct or region, the code may be shorter as there will be fewer precincts than the number of officers. If the system runs out of codes, the code may be automatically lengthened on new articles.

The uniform102has an optically encrypted security code110represented by a barcode allowing the validation of the authenticity of the corresponding garment. Scanning this code110shows the information of the article100, such as the size of the garment and a picture. The scan may also show private or confidential information on the owner of the garment such as the fingerprints, home address, performance records, etc. This barcode110is typically placed under the pocket flap of a shirt or on the interior of the shirt to reduce the public exposure of this confidential information.

The uniform102also has a Quick Response (QR) code112placed on the exterior of the shirt. Optionally, this QR code112may be placed in other locations on the uniform102. Scanning this two-dimensional code112shows the information for an institution associated with the officer as well as the officer's photograph, name, and badge number. The code112enables scanning by the general public using an application executing on a mobile phone174in order to verify the officer122and the authentication of the uniform102. This permits a member of the general public to independently confirm the officer122is authentic for their own safety. Also, other pertinent information to confirm the authenticity of the officer may be displayed.

The uniform102may optionally be marked with a laser engraved serial number114in the fabric. This engraving may be done on several parts of the garment in order to identify and verify the person originally assigned a garment. Engraving the garment in several locations permits identification even if the whole garment is not recovered. Typically, the serial number114may be engraved on each sleeve, shirt back, each pant leg, and hat and the number of engravings is limited only by the laser engraving technology and the time to engrave.

The uniform102also optionally has a black light (BL) identification116where words, initials, or pictures are printed in a random manner on the fabric and which is not visible without the aid of a “black” light128. The black light128is also known as an ultraviolet light and emits long wave (UV-A) ultraviolet light and not much visible light. The lamp128has an ultraviolet filter material, either on the bulb or in a separate glass filter in the lamp housing, which blocks most visible light and allows through UV light so the lamp128has a dim violet glow when operating. The UV light causes the ink to phosphoresce displaying the code. A digital camera (not shown) may optionally capture an image and optical character recognition (OCR) may be performed to recognize the code. The recognized code may then automatically be queried in a database152. For a similar reason as the laser engraved serial number, the BL identification116permits identification even if the whole garment is not recovered. Since the BL identification116is not visible without the black light128, it is less likely to be discovered and more difficult to duplicate by conventional printing methods. The ink may also be chemically identifiable further permitting forensic analysis. Optionally, the ink may phosphoresce only in response to a specific band of ultraviolet light and the ink may phosphoresce in a particular color. Alternatively, the ink may comprise quantum dots (QD) that shift a wavelength of incident light to a different wavelength based on the particle size in the ink.

The badge104and the piece of equipment106have a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip118placed within each of them. The RFID tag118in the badge104may or may not be the same as the RFID tag120in the piece of equipment106. The RFID tag120is sealed within each of these devices and presents significant difficulty in removing it without damaging the badge104and/or the piece of equipment106. The RFID tag120may also be placed within the piece of equipment106in such a manner that removal of the tag120renders the piece of equipment106inoperable. The RFID tag118and120are read using an RFID reader that transmits an interrogation signal. The RFID tag118,120responds to the interrogation signal with a response signal encoded with the information present on the RFID tag118,120. Alternatively, the RFID tag118may be replaced with a Near Field Communication (NFC) tag and is readable by an NFC scanner present in many modern mobile phones174.

Depending on the requirements of the security environment, different numbers of codes (e.g. barcode110, QR code112, serial number114, BL code116, badge RFID118and piece of equipment RFID120) may be used to increase security and authenticity of the gear100. In the most secure instance, all five of the codes may be used as all five of the codes would have to be replicated in order for a forgery to succeed. For less secure situations, fewer codes may be used. In order to provide increased security, a less secure code such as the QR code112may be paired with a more secure code such as a laser engraved code114. The QR code112is assumed to be less secure due to the ability for someone to easily copy it using photographic or photocopying equipment. Optionally, one code may be overlaid on another code to increase the difficulty in copying. For example, the laser engraved code114may overlay the QR code112. Photocopying both the codes would result in the laser engraved code114appearing but not being laser embossed/engraved indicating that the code is a forgery.

The officer122also has a number of biometrics recorded and stored on the database server152. For example, images of the officer's face124and/or retinal information may be taken, fingerprints126may be recorded as well as measurements of the officer (shoulder width, waist size, inseam, etc).

Prior to having the gear100issued to the officer122, the officer122may be registered into the system at a registration station130. An image is taken of the officer122(typically the face of the officer122) using a digital camera134which may comprise a charge-coupled device (CCD), CMOS, or other type of image sensor, a processor, memory, and a communication channel. Alternatively, the camera134is solely an image sensor and relies on the computing device132for processing and storing the image. Once the image of the officer122is captured, it is displayed to the registrar (not shown) in order to verify that the officer122is identifiable in the image. If not, then the registrar retakes the photograph. Optionally, an existing image may be retrieved from the database server152for comparison by the registrar. Alternatively, facial recognition may be performed and compared with an existing image in the database server152.

The fingerprints of the officer122are also recorded using a fingerprint scanner136. The fingerprint scanner136may use optical, ultrasonic, capacitive, or thermal technologies to capture the fingerprint data. The procedure for capturing a fingerprint using a sensor involves rolling or touching with the finger onto a sensing area, which according to the physical principle in use captures the difference between valleys and ridges. When a finger touches or rolls onto a surface, the elastic skin deforms. The quantity and direction of the pressure applied by the user, the skin conditions and the projection of an irregular 3D object (the finger) onto a 2D flat plane. The image of the fingerprint should preferably be consistent in the case of different types of fingerprint readers being used at different locations.

Optionally, the signature of the officer122may be recorded using a tablet computing device138or other type of digitizer at the registration station130. Optionally, signature recognition may be further used to confirm the identity through comparison with the existing signature stored in the database server152. The tablet computing device138may also record pressure information of the signature if the touch technology of the tablet is able to record this information. The pressure information may further be used to verify the signature.

Other documents such as registration forms may be scanned using a scanner140or entered by way of a keyboard, touch screen, or mouse (not shown). Additionally, the measurements of the officer122are also recorded at this time. Optionally, a 3D laser scanner may be used to obtain the precise measurements of the officer such as height, shoulder width, inseam, etc.

The camera134, fingerprint scanner136, digitizer138, and scanner140are controlled by a registration computer132. The registrar logs into the registration computer132using a username and password combination or other biometric methods of authentication. The registrar then activates each of the devices134-140by way of a graphical user interface displayed on a monitor connected to the registration computer132. On activation, the biometric information is retrieved from each device134-140over a communication channel such as a universal serial bus (USB), Bluetooth®, or other type of communication channel. This biometric information is stored locally on the registration computer132until registration is complete. Once the registrar is satisfied that the biometric information is sufficiently recorded, the registrar initiates a secure biometric data transfer over a wired network connection and over the Internet150to a database server152(typically located in a police station or other secure location). The data may be secured using secure hypertext transport protocol (HTTPS) or other type of secure encryption such as a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Additionally, the location of the registration computer132is transmitted and recorded, which may comprise the address, phone number, precinct, GPS coordinates, or other such identifiable information. Optionally, the registrar information may also be transmitted and associated with the biometric data for auditing purposes.

Turning now to the registration computer132and further described with reference toFIG. 2, the exemplary registration computer200has a processor202executing instructions from volatile or non-volatile memory204and storing data thereto. The registration computer200has a number of human-user interfaces such as a keypad or touch screen206, a microphone and/or an additional camera208, a speaker or headphones210, and a display212. A wired power supply214provides power to all the components of the registration computer200.

The registration computer200has a keyboard or touch screen206, and display212designed for ease of use. For example, the keyboard206may be sized for the user permitting them to type at an increased speed. Another example is that the touch screen206and display212may be large or have increased functionality such as being a multi-user, multi-touch screen. The keypad206could be a conventional keyboard found on most desktop computers or a soft-form keyboard constructed of flexible silicone material. The keyboard206could be a standard-sized 101-key or 104-key keyboard, a laptop-sized keyboard lacking a number pad, a handheld keyboard, a thumb-sized keyboard or a chorded keyboard known in the art. Alternatively, the registration computer200could have only a virtual keyboard displayed on a touch screen206. The touch screen206can be any type of touch technology such as analog resistive, capacitive, ultrasonic, infrared grid, camera-based, or any other touch technology known in the art. The touch screen206could be a single touch, a multi-touch screen, or a multi-user, multi-touch screen. Alternatively, the microphone208may be used for input into the mobile device200using voice recognition.

If a touch screen206is present in the device, the display212is typically sized to be approximately the same size as the touch screen206. The user(s) controls the information displayed on the display212using either the touch screen or the keyboard206.

The registration computer200has a number of network transceivers coupled to antennas for the processor to communicate with other devices. For example, the registration computer200may have a near-field communication (NFC) transceiver220and antenna240, and/or a WiFi®/Bluetooth® transceiver222and antenna242. The registration computer200also may have a wired network adapter224such as Ethernet to communicate with the Internet150. The registration computer200may have a wired interface230such as USB for connection to and communication with other devices such as the aforementioned biometric sensors. At least one of the network transceivers is able to communicate over the Internet150to the database server152.

Once the biometric data is received by the database server152, the database server152securely stores this data in the memory of the server152. The database server152comprises similar components as the registration computer132such as a processor202, memory204, keyboard206, power supply214and wired network adapter224. However, the database server152may lack elements unnecessary for the operation of a server such as a display212or keyboard206. The measurement data is then retrieved and used to place an order for a uniform and badge from the manufacturing plant(s)154using the measurements of the officer122. The server152then proceeds to order the uniform and badge104and may optionally send the codes to be placed on the uniform to the manufacturer otherwise the manufacturer generates the codes. By only ordering a uniform102and badge104after registration, no additional gear100is produced reducing costs and preventing (or reducing the instance of) excess gear from being illicitly sold. Once the uniform102is produced, the uniforms102for a particular issuing facility are packaged together. Each package is provided with a package identifier comprising a random serial number in the form of a barcode associated by the database server152with the codes of the uniforms102contained therein. The packages may pass through a number of different distribution centers and/or secondary warehousing prior to reaching the issuing facility as discussed with further reference toFIG. 1C. At each point, the package identifier is scanned and the location of the package is updated with the database server152. If a package goes missing, all the codes of the uniforms102are invalidated. An investigation may be started at the last known location where the package identifier was scanned.

The issuing facility receives the package and scans the package identifier. The database server152is updated to indicate that the uniforms102have arrived at the issuing facility. The issuing facility may be the same location as the registration facility or may be a different facility such as a precinct. The issuing computer160comprises similar elements as the registration computer132shown inFIG. 2such as a processor202, memory204, keyboard206, display212, power supply214, and wired network adapter224. The issuing computer160is connected to a camera (or 2D or conventional barcode reader)134, fingerprint sensor136as previously described. In addition, the issuing computer160is operatively connected to an RFID reader156. When the issuing computer160receives a package, it is scanned using the camera134(or optionally using a barcode scanner, not shown). The encoded barcode is then converted to electronic data which is submitted to the database server152. The database server152then transfers the codes related to the uniforms102to the issuing server160. The issuing server160generates a list of officers122whose uniforms have arrived and an administrator contacts them. Alternatively, the issuing server160generates an email or other form of electronic communication which is sent to each of the officers122on the list.

Once the officer122arrives at the issuing facility, the issuer scans the fingerprints of the officer122using the fingerprint scanner136in order to confirm the identity. If the identity is confirmed, the issuer retrieves the assigned gear100for the officer122. The issuer scans the barcode110and QR code112using the camera134. The laser engraved serial number114, and the BL identification116are optionally also entered at that time or may be entered prior to the arrival of the officer122. The issuer also retrieves the badge104and scans the RFID tag118using the RFID reader156. If the officer122has ordered a replacement uniform102, then their existing badge104may be scanned. Alternatively for confirmation of identity, an image of the officer may be taken using the camera134and facial recognition compares this image to the data stored on the database server152.

If the officer122is permitted to keep their piece of equipment106when not on duty, then the issuer also uses the RFID reader156to scan the RFID tag120inside the piece of equipment106. If not, then the RFID tag120inside the piece of equipment106is scanned prior to the officer122going on duty. Note that this may result in the officer122receiving a piece of equipment106with a different RFID tag120for each shift. The check-out and check-in information for the piece of equipment tag120is retained on the database server152in order to verify which officer had a particular piece of equipment106in case an investigation on the appropriate use is necessary.

Once the officer122is on duty with their gear100, the officer122may encounter a number of mobile verification stations170(as shown inFIG. 1B) or fixed position security checkpoints180(as shown inFIG. 1C). The mobile verification stations170may be a tablet172, mobile phone174, or laptop computer176executing a security verification application as further described below. Whereas the security checkpoints180are located at the entranceways of secure venues such as conference centers, airports, police stations, stores, etc. The security checkpoint180has a checkpoint computer182connected to a camera134and a gateway184. The camera134takes images of everyone passing through the gateway184. Optionally, the checkpoint computer182may perform facial recognition on the image and retrieve any officer122data from the database server152. The information is displayed to the security personnel at the security checkpoint180for verification.

The gateway184detects metal on the person passing there through to allow the security checkpoint180to screen for weapons. The gateway184also transmits an RFID detecting interrogation pulse which reads the RFID tags118,120present in the badge104and/or the piece of equipment106. When an RFID tag118and/or120are detected, the checkpoint computer182queries the database server152to verify the officer122assigned the badge104and/or the piece of equipment106. The checkpoint computer182displays an image of the officer122retrieved from the database server152to allow the checkpoint guards to verify the identity of the officer122. The time, date, and location of the RFID tag118and/or120are transmitted to the database server152. The guard may also indicate whether or not the officer122matches the photograph of the officer122on file.

If there is a mismatch between the badge104and the piece of equipment106, then a warning is presented on the display of the checkpoint computer182and/or an alarm may sound. The checkpoint guard may require further verification by using a camera134to read the barcode110, QR code112, laser engraved serial code114, and/or the BL identification code116using the methods previously described. If the checkpoint180does not have the additional sensors to read these codes, then the officer122is held in custody until a guard arrives with one of the mobile verification stations170. The mobile verification stations170have a camera134in order to read the barcode110and/or QR codes112. The mobile stations170may also have an RFID reader156and a blacklight light emitting diode (LED)128to enable true portable verification of the uniform102, badge104, and piece of equipment106. The mobile stations170may be used to conduct spot checks during high security events.

The components of an exemplary mobile device300is further disclosed inFIG. 3having a processor302executing instructions from volatile or non-volatile memory304and storing data thereto. The mobile device300has a number of human-computer interfaces such as a keypad or touch screen306, a microphone and/or camera308, a speaker or headphones310, and a display312. The mobile device has a battery314supplying power to all the components within the device. The battery314may be charged using a wired or wireless charging.

The keyboard306could be a conventional keyboard found on most laptop computers or a soft-form keyboard constructed of flexible silicone material. The keyboard306could be a standard-sized 101-key or 104-key keyboard, a laptop-sized keyboard lacking a number pad, a handheld keyboard, a thumb-sized keyboard or a chorded keyboard known in the art. Alternatively, the mobile device300could have only a virtual keyboard displayed on the display312and uses a touch screen306. The touch screen306can be any type of touch technology such as analog resistive, capacitive, ultrasonic, infrared grid, camera-based, or any other touch technology known in the art. The touch screen306could be a single touch or multi-touch screen. Alternatively, the microphone308may be used for input into the mobile device300using voice recognition.

The display312is typically small-size between the range of 2 inches to 14 inches to enable portability and has a resolution high enough to ensure readability of the display312at in-use distances. The display312could be a liquid crystal display (LCD) of any type, plasma, e-Ink®, projected, or any other display technology known in the art. If a touch screen306is present in the device, the display312is typically sized to be approximately the same size as the touch screen306. The user controls the information displayed on the display312using either the touch screen or the keyboard306.

The mobile device300has a number of network transceivers coupled to antennas for the processor to communicate with other devices. For example, the mobile device300may have a near-field communication (NFC) transceiver320and antenna340; a WiFi®/Bluetooth® transceiver322and antenna342; a cellular transceiver324and antenna344where at least one of the transceivers is a pairing transceiver used to pair devices. The mobile device300optionally also has a wired interface330such as USB or Ethernet connection.

A coding system400depicted inFIG. 4shows an exemplar manufacturing line for coding the gear. The coding system400is placed after the sewing and construction of the gear100, in this case the uniform102, but prior to packaging and shipping. The gear100may optionally be warehoused prior to entering the coding system400.

A conveyor belt402conveys the gear100past various coding devices used to code the article. The conveyor belt402has a working height of approximately 90 cm and travels at a speed of between 20-25 m/min which equates to a maximum of one piece of gear100every 15 seconds. The conveyor belt402is approximately 10 feet long and has a modular structure to permit different coding devices to be added or removed from the coding system400. The conveyor belt is controlled by way of a conveyor controller428that supplies power to the conveyor motor (not shown) and allows the operator to stop and start it. The conveyor belt402is started using a start button404and stopped using a stop button406. An additional stop button406is placed at the opposite end of the conveyor belt402to permit quick stopping in the event of an emergency. The gear100is placed on the head end401of the conveyor belt402and as the belt rotates, the gear100passes under an ink jet printer408, a laser engraver412, and an ultraviolet enclosure418. Optionally, the gear100may also pass under an RFID reader (not shown).

The ink jet printer408is controlled by an ink jet printer controller410. In the present embodiment, the ink jet printer408is a Domino A420i ink jet printer, the technical specifications A420i/0414 are herein incorporated by reference, which is a highly reliable continuous ink jet printer with 99.75% availability and low “makeup” (or ink) consumption. The A420i is capable of high definition micro printing for discreet and high quality coding with 255 characters per line and up to 8 lines. In the present embodiment, the ink jet printer408uses UV ink. The controller410communicates with rack computer system422as further described below to obtain the code to be printed on the gear100. A sensor (not shown) detects the gear100passing under the printer410, causing the printer410to print the next available UV code116in one or more places on the gear100.

The gear100then proceeds along the conveyor belt402until the gear100is under the laser engraver412controlled by a laser engraver controller414. In the present embodiment, the laser engraver414is a Domino D-Series laser, the technical specifications DS/0113herein incorporated by reference, which produces unlimited lines of text in any orientation suitable for graphics, and 2D QR codes. The laser engraver412may have a power range of 10 W, 30 W, or 60 W and is capable of printing between 800 and 2000 characters per second. The laser engraver412has a sensor (not shown) that detects the gear100in order to scribe the serial number114on it.

A touch monitor416is present on the coding system400near the beginning401of the conveyor belt402. The touch monitor416is used by the operator to control the functionality of the conveyor belt and/or to indicate to the system which uniform is being marked.

The gear100then passes through an ultraviolet (UV) light enclosure418where the UV code116that was printed by the inkjet printer408is imaged by an Internet Protocol (IP) camera (not shown). The images taken by the IP camera are used for quality control purposes and displayed on the quality control touch monitor424. A window420with a UV filter allows the operator to safely view the gear100within the enclosure418.

A rack computer system422has an operating system running thereon and produces and aggregates production reports for quality control purposes. The rack computer system422may supply the codes to the laser engraver412and the inkjet printer408. The rack computer system422also may store the images from the IP camera. The rack computer system422may additionally have security software such as antivirus and/or firewall software and may be secured from tampering. The rack computer system422is connected to the controllers410and414of the laser engraver412and inkjet printer408and collects and stores diagnostic information. All the data from the peripheral devices are stored in an SQL database for later query, auditing, and reporting.

Although the embodiments describe herein demonstrate the barcode110, QR code112, serial number114, and BL code116as numerical representations of a code, the inventor contemplates that other information may be encoded such as alphanumeric text, and/or universal resource locators (URLs). Furthermore, the encoded information may be encrypted.

Although the embodiments described herein demonstrate that the serial number114and BL code116are alphanumerical text, the inventor contemplates that any image may be used such as a photograph, shapes, repeating patterns, or designs.

Although the embodiments herein describe an authentication system, the inventor contemplates that this system may also be used for secure inventory management.

The inventor further contemplates that medical information for the officer122may also be entered into the database server152.

The computing devices200may be implemented in a number of different forms, as shown in the figure. For example, it may be implemented as a standard server, or multiple times in a group of such servers. It may also be implemented as part of a rack server system. In addition, it may be implemented in a personal computer such as a laptop computer. Alternatively, components from computing device200may be combined with other components in a mobile device200. Each of such devices may contain one or more of computing device, and an entire system may be made up of multiple computing devices communicating with each other.

A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims and should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

The above-described embodiments are intended to be examples of the present invention and alterations and modifications may be effected thereto, by those of skill in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the claims appended hereto.