Lumidigm develops new barcode fabrication method to deter counterfeiting

To produce copy-resistant barcodes, biometric specialist Lumidigm (Albuquerque, NM, USA) has developed a high-resolution pattern that is printed in close proximity to a barcode, and says it cannot be copied by conventional means without producing image artifacts. The method uses standard holographic material that is already in common use for security labels.

In an article published online by SPIE, the co-founder of the company, Robert Rowe, says the method uses a standard printing process, such as heat transfer, to print an opaque barcode directly on the holographic substrate. The barcode can be read and authenticated using a multi-imaging system, in which a series of images are rapidly collected under illumination from multiple directions. The system is comprised of a digital imager and six different illumination LEDs. Each LED is illuminated individually, resulting in six different images.

The resulting set of images is processed to extract a usable barcode image and authenticate its holographic features and any other security features that may be present. The company is seeking business partnerships to commercialize the technology.

--Posted by Vision Systems Design