U.S. patent application number 12/924170 was filed with the patent office on 2011-02-10 for protection, authentication, identification device for a physical object specimen.
Invention is credited to James Joseph Macor.
Application Number | 20110031139 12/924170 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43534013 |
Filed Date | 2011-02-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110031139 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Macor; James Joseph |
February 10, 2011 |
Protection, authentication, identification device for a physical
object specimen
Abstract
A protection, authentication, identification device for a
physical object specimen is described. The device comprises a
holder formed for assembly with at least one physical object
specimen to provide protection and preservation of the physical
object specimen. The holder is further formed with a holding area
for the physical object specimen and to resist disassembly and
separation with the physical object specimen, once it is assembled.
The protection, authentication, identification device for a
physical object specimen is further comprised of a nonvolatile
electronic data storage device configured to store at least one
digital image of the physical object specimen including sufficient
detail to record at least one unique appearance characteristic of
the physical object specimen. The data storage device is
nondetachably secured to the protection, authentication,
identification device. In preferred embodiments the digital image
records may have, at least in part, an immutable condition to deter
or prevent alteration. One or more digital images are readable and
displayable by a computer system connectable by wired or wireless
means to the nonvolatile electronic storage device.
Inventors: |
Macor; James Joseph;
(Jackson, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
James J. Macor
P.O. Box 1450
Jackson
NJ
08527
US
|
Family ID: |
43534013 |
Appl. No.: |
12/924170 |
Filed: |
September 22, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12156186 |
May 30, 2008 |
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12924170 |
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12072618 |
Feb 27, 2008 |
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12156186 |
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11710378 |
Feb 23, 2007 |
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12072618 |
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11891407 |
Aug 10, 2007 |
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11710378 |
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11513004 |
Aug 30, 2006 |
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11891407 |
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11493312 |
Jul 26, 2006 |
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11513004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/232 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06K 19/04 20130101;
G09F 3/0297 20130101; B01L 2300/023 20130101; G09F 2003/0272
20130101; B01L 3/508 20130101; B01L 2300/0822 20130101; B01L
2300/022 20130101; B01L 2300/024 20130101; B01L 3/54 20130101; G09F
3/185 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/232 |
International
Class: |
B65D 69/00 20060101
B65D069/00 |
Claims
1. A protection, authentication, identification device for a
physical object specimen, said device comprising: a holder formed
for assembly with at least one physical object specimen to provide
protection and preservation of said at least one physical object
specimen, said holder having a holding area for receiving said at
least one physical object specimen, and further being formed so as
to resist disassembly and separation with said at least one
physical object specimen; and, a nonvolatile electronic data
storage device configured to store at least one digital image of
said at least one physical object specimen, said nonvolatile data
storage device being nondetachably secured to said protection,
authentication, identification device, and, said at least one
digital image including sufficient detail to record at least one
unique appearance characteristic of said at least one physical
object specimen; wherein said at least one digital image is
readable and displayable by a standard computer system connectable
to said nonvolatile electronic storage device.
2. The protection, authentication, identification device of claim 1
wherein, said at least one digital image is immutable and includes
a date record of the creation time of said at least one digital
image.
3. The protection, authentication, identification device of claim 1
wherein, said holder is a microscope slide.
4. The protection, authentication, identification device of claim 1
wherein, said nonvolatile electronic data storage device further
stores at least one electronic link that provides information
related to said at least one physical object specimen.
5. The protection, authentication, identification device of claim 1
wherein, said at least one digital image is readable and
displayable via an encrypted security protocol by a computer system
connectable to said nonvolatile electronic data storage device.
6. The protection, authentication, identification device of claim
1, further comprising a barcode identifier that may also provide
predetermined characteristics of said at least one physical object
specimen.
7. The protection, authentication, identification device of claim 1
wherein, said nonvolatile electronic data storage device is an
integrated circuit type data storage device capable of storing said
at least one digital image including sufficient detail to record
said at least one unique appearance characteristic of said at least
one physical object specimen.
8. The protection, authentication, identification device of claim 1
wherein, said nonvolatile electronic data storage device is a laser
reactive optical type data storage device capable of storing said
at least one digital image including sufficient detail to record at
least one unique appearance characteristic of said at least one
physical object specimen.
9. The protection, authentication, identification device of claim 7
wherein, said integrated circuit type data storage device is a
flash memory type data storage device.
10. The protection, authentication, identification device of claim
7 wherein, said integrated circuit type data storage device is a
radio frequency (RF) type data storage device.
11. The protection, authentication, identification device of claim
7 wherein, said integrated circuit type data storage device is a
smart card chip.
12. The protection, authentication, identification device of claim
10 wherein, said integrated circuit type data storage device is an
RFID tag.
13. The protection, authentication, identification device of claim
7 wherein, said flash memory type data storage device includes an
illuminating selection indicator.
14. A protection, authentication, identification device for a
physical object specimen, said device comprising: a holder formed
for assembly with at least one physical object specimen to provide
protection and preservation of said at least one physical object
specimen, said holder having a holding area for receiving said at
least one physical object specimen, and said holder further being
formed so as to resist disassembly and separation with said at
least one physical object specimen; and, a nonvolatile electronic
data storage device configured to store at least one digital image
of said at least one physical object specimen, and, said
nonvolatile data storage device being nondetachably secured to said
protection, authentication, identification device, and, said at
least one digital image including sufficient detail to record at
least one unique appearance characteristic of said at least one
physical object specimen, and, said data storage device further
configured to store at least one spectroscopic chemical image
including sufficient detail to record at least one unique molecular
characteristic of the chemical composition of said at least one
physical object specimen; wherein said at least one digital image
is readable and displayable by a computer system connectable to
said nonvolatile electronic storage device.
15. The protection, authentication, identification device of claim
14 wherein, said at least one digital image is immutable and
includes a date record of the creation time of said at least one
digital image.
16. The protection, authentication, identification device of claim
14 wherein, said holder is a microscope slide.
17. The protection, authentication, identification device of claim
14 wherein, said nonvolatile electronic data storage device further
stores at least one electronic link that provides information
related to said at least one physical object specimen.
18. The protection, authentication, identification device of claim
14 wherein, said at least one digital image is readable and
displayable via an encrypted security protocol by a computer system
connectable to said nonvolatile electronic data storage device.
19. The protection, authentication, identification device of claim
14, further comprising a barcode identifier that may also provide
predetermined characteristics of said at least one physical object
specimen.
20. The protection, authentication, identification device of claim
14 wherein, said nonvolatile electronic data storage device is an
integrated circuit type data storage device capable of storing said
at least one digital image including sufficient detail to record at
least one unique appearance characteristic of said at least one
physical object specimen, and, said data storage device further
configured to store at least one spectroscopic chemical image
including sufficient detail to record at least one unique molecular
characteristic of the chemical composition of said at least one
physical object specimen.
21. The protection, authentication, identification device of claim
14 wherein, said nonvolatile electronic data storage device is a
laser reactive optical type data storage device capable of storing
said at least one digital image including sufficient detail to
record at least one unique appearance characteristic of said at
least one physical object specimen, and, said data storage device
further configured to store at least one spectroscopic chemical
image including sufficient detail to record at least one unique
molecular characteristic of the chemical composition of said at
least one physical object specimen.
22. The protection, authentication, identification device of claim
14 wherein, said integrated circuit type data storage device is a
flash memory type data storage device.
23. The protection, authentication, identification device of claim
20 wherein, said integrated circuit type data storage device is a
radio frequency (RF) type data storage device.
24. The protection, authentication, identification device of claim
20 wherein, said integrated circuit type data storage device is a
smart card chip.
25. The protection, authentication, identification device of claim
20 wherein, said integrated circuit type data storage device is an
RFID tag.
26. The protection, authentication, identification device of claim
22 wherein, said flash memory type data storage device includes an
illuminating indicator activated by a computerized selection
process.
Description
[0001] This application relates to and is a continuation-in-part of
the following co-pending U.S. patent applications, all of which
have been filed by the inventor herein: U.S. application Ser. No.
12/156,186, filed on May 30, 2008, entitled "Authentication and
identification device for a collectable object," U.S. application
Ser. No. 12/072,618, Feb. 27, 2008 Protection and authentication
device for a collectable object," U.S. application Ser. No.
11/710,378, Feb. 23, 2007, entitled "Protection and authentication
device for trading collectable objects," U.S. application Ser. No.
11/891,407, filed Aug. 10, 2007, entitled "Collectable display
panel and data storage device," U.S. application Ser. No.
11/513,004, filed Aug. 30, 2006, entitled "Associative data storage
system for collectable objects," U.S. application Ser. No.
11/493,312, filed on Jul. 26, 2006, entitled "Protection,
authentication, identification device for a collectable object"
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] Often times, there is need to refer to a detailed digital
image of the unique appearance characteristics of a particular
physical object specimen for authentication, identification, or
scientific examination. Detailed digital images of the unique
appearance characteristics of a physical object specimen serve as
an authentication and identification record that may be utilized
for comparative identification analysis and examination. As such,
digital images of physical object specimens have been cataloged and
indexed in a database having an associated name or ID number
reference, and then accessed by a graphical user interface through
some form of an index. This typically requires online
accessibility, because any data and/or images are accessed from and
stored in a remote database, such as a remote host computer or
remote server. This process of searching or indexing a data record
can be time consuming, and can be prone to inaccurate data
correlation, possible human error, data coding entry error, or
simply be inhibited by the inability to access the information
online due to online problems (e.g., simple failure to access the
remote database). More often, as is the case for auctions of
collectibles, long-term storage of medical records, items of
forensics interest by various entities, and the like, such data is
often transitory, and long-term storage records are not practical
given the cost, or means required to maintain digital records for
long periods of time.
[0003] Remote storage of digital data, such as a remote database
for data and/or image storage, is potentially susceptible to all
kinds of adverse conditions, malfunctions, and failures that are
not "controllable" by the owner of the actual physical object in
hand. Unlike the present invention, remotely stored data and
images, e.g., a host computer or server, are susceptible to, for
example, software and hardware failures, software viruses, theft,
alterations of data or images, telecommunications failure (even
temporarily), equipment failures, power failures (even
temporarily), environmental calamities (floods and fire), business
failures (website) (e.g., bankruptcies). Such examples of remote
database failures are certainly plausible over time, are not
controllable by the owner of the physical object specimen in hand,
and could create an "interim or permanent failure" for the user to
view any data or images at all. The present invention overcomes the
aforesaid deficiencies of remote storage of data and images.
[0004] Digital picture image data has been useful in forensic
sciences, pathology, medical sciences, antiquity sciences, and
anthropology sciences, as well as for physical object specimens of
interest or examination. Certification of collectibles such as
coins, stamps, baseball cards, photographs, and historical
memorabilia have also established online authentication
verification wherein a user can look up an image or data by
inputting a serial number associated with the collectable. However,
the present invention uniquely provides genuine and needed benefits
for long-term protection, authentication, and identification of a
physical object specimen, by directly controllable protection and
long-term storage by the owner (or user) of both the physical
object specimen and any authentication image records. As such, the
present invention device uniquely provides for a long-term storage
solution as well, of any image record of the physical object
specimen, as it is stored with the physical object specimen, at all
times, in the same protective holder. Furthermore, the nonvolatile
nature (no battery or on-board power source) of the data storage
device provides for long-term storage without the concern of any
power failure, e.g., battery failure or battery replacement
required over time. The holder provides protection of the physical
object specimen and the authentication image records, together, in
the same protective holder.
[0005] The data storage device of the present invention is further
configured to record and maintain a spectroscopic chemical image
that may further identify and authenticate the unique chemical
molecular chemical composition of the physical object specimen.
Spectrometry is the spectroscopic technique used to assess the
concentration or amount of a given chemical (atomic, molecular, or
ionic) species. Spectroscopy/spectrometry is used in physical and
analytical chemistry for the identification of substances through
the spectrum emitted from or absorbed by them. There are many
different types of spectroscopic imaging, but not limited to,
including X-ray, Ultraviolet, and Infrared that would be
appropriate types for producing a chemical digital image assessment
of the chemical molecular structure profile of a physical object
specimen. Although spectrometry is currently utilized for chemical
analysis of physical object specimens the present invention
uniquely stores the spectroscopic chemical image profile with the
physical object specimen in the same protective holder. In
combination with a digital image of the unique visual appearance
characteristics of a physical object specimen, a spectroscopic
image further authenticates the chemical molecular structure of the
physical object specimen and serves as a useful comparative,
secondary identification record. Any additional spectroscopic
images, or digital images of the appearance characteristics of the
physical object specimen may be recorded at a later time, and both
the appearance and chemical analysis together, in combination, is
an exceptionally useful tool to re-authenticate the physical object
specimen and also detect any possible changes, degradation, or
alteration of the physical object specimen.
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART
[0006] The following references may be related, at least in part,
or to portions of the present invention:
[0007] U.S. Patent Application 20070113451 to McDowell describes a
collectible holder that is that is fabricated from three
portions--a sleeve portion, an insert portion, and a collectible
receivable portion. The collectible receivable portion is
insertable into, and removable from, an aperture located in the
insert portion. The insert portion is inserted into the sleeve
portion and sonically bonded. A Radio Frequency IDentification
(RFID) tag is also provided in the collectible holder to store
information associated with the stored collectible. As multiple
RFIDs can be read simultaneously, numerous features are provided.
In one, a scanner is presented at the unloading dock of a
convention. A dealer is provided with a time to go through the
scanner. All of the dealer's collectibles are uploaded to a remote
database, an online store is autonomously generated for the
collectibles, and the inventory published to the internet as part
of an online inventory of the entire convention.
[0008] U.S. Patent Application 20040039663 to Kemz describes a
method and a system facilitating trade in graded encapsulated
commoditized objects such as coins includes a marketplace computer
operatively controlled by an online peer-to-peer trade enabling
facility and storing data associated with offers to sell and offers
to buy the objects being selected from a plurality of graded
encapsulated objects provided by at least one third party grading
firm. A host computer operatively controlled by a market maker
engaged in the trade of the graded encapsulated commoditized
objects stores relevant trade data associated with the objects. The
Internet can be used to connect the computers and to connect
sellers and buyers with the marketplace computer whereby the
sellers and the buyers are provided access to the relevant trade
data stored in the host computer.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,501,390 to Chainer provides methods and
apparatus to detect and reliably record the physical history of a
product including effects due to one or more of the following: 1)
product use 2) handling 3) tampering and 4) environment of the
product (as changes in the environment, such as excessive
temperatures, humidity, or shocks, can result in degradation to a
product). The apparatus includes a "smart card", or, more
generally, "smart token", in combination with one or more sensors
which record the external influences on the product and/or the
environment and records those changes in an encrypted form. This
information can then be verified by any individual who is equipped
with a (possibly public) decryption key, but capability to modify
this information, depending on the application, is restricted to
those with access to the encrypting key. Furthermore, the apparatus
contains authentication information which can be reliably verified,
in particular to confirm that the apparatus is attached to the
product it supposed to be attached to.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,042,650 to Mayer describes a tamperproof
coin case defined by two interlocking plastic plate members
ultrasonically bonded together to define a unitary assembly within
which a coin and its certificate of authenticity may be permanently
secured. One plate member includes a cavity for fully receiving the
other plate member therein, with opposing inner surfaces of the
plate members being provided with corresponding cylindrical
recesses which collectively form a cylindrical cavity within which
a pliable plastic retention ring is disposed, for securing the coin
in a stationary position and permitting its obverse and reverse
sides to be viewed through dome-shaped windows provided on the
opposite sides of the case. The case is also provided with
outwardly extending circumferential flanges which permit a
plurality of cases to be vertically stacked for transport or
storage.
[0011] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20030220885 to
Lucarelli describes an on-line system for authenticating a
collectible item or other type of memorabilia is provided which
includes a web page on a on-line title company's website for the
collectible item, wherein the web page displays a digital image of
the collectible item, written description of the item, and the
current owner of the collectible item. The web page is assigned a
unique URL address and unique password. The web page may be viewed
by the general public via the Internet through the URL address in
read only format. In the event of a transfer of ownership of the
collectible item, the new owner is given the URL address for the
web page, and the password. The new owner may then edit the owner
information field on the web page by entering the password provided
to him or her by the previous owner to update the owner's
information displayed on the web page. In a further aspect of the
invention, the collectible item is an individual video and audio
segment of a celebrity reciting a greeting to an individual chosen
from a selection of available greetings, which is saved on a VHS
cassette or DVD, and may also be saved in a computer file and then
displayed on a web page and viewed by the general public as set
forth above.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,841,878 to Arnold describes a collectible
article provides a multimedia representation of a desired subject.
Such multimedia representation will include a visual representation
of the subject appearing on at least a portion of the article. In
addition to such visual media, an audible sound segment,
reproducible and selectively activated as desired by an activation
switch. The article is advantageously of compact, card-like format,
and can be user personalized by permitting the recording, and
selective playback, of a sound segment corresponding to the
visually depicted image appearing on a portion thereof. The article
may optionally include a space reserved for receiving an autograph.
By carrying the article to places where there may be a likelihood
of encountering the depicted celebrity, the owner will have same at
hand for personalization by the figure. A spoken message to the
presenting owner of the card-like article may there be recorded by
the celebrity for long term storage and future playback, and/or the
card signed in the appropriate location thereon. The article may
further include displayed statistical information and the like
disposed on an reverse side of the card, conveniently in the form
of, for example, a liquid crystal alphanumeric display, or the
like, which includes one or more rows. In a further embodiment, the
above features are incorporated in a protective housing for display
of existing trading cards and the like.
[0013] U.S. Patent Application No. 20070075861 to Cook describes an
RFID tag configured to contain identification information in at
least three forms. For instance, the RFID tag may include an RFID
system, a human readable number and a bar code that may be visible
on an outer surface of the body. The RFID system, the human
readable number and the bar code may be adapted to generate the
same asset identification number. The RFID tag may also be formed
from two or more layers having a thickness sufficient to
substantially eliminate interference caused by a shipping container
to which the RFID tag is attached.
[0014] U.S. Patent Application No. 20030028494 to King describes a
system and method for establishing and managing authenticated
electronic documents (e.g. commercial contracts) whereby the
content, revision status and authenticating parties are stored,
tracked, retrieved and validated on demand by permitted users.
Variable document data is input by user into an electronic form
template and this data is captured by the system. The system
derives a document number and revision number for the document and
all of this identifying information is associated with the document
and stored. A document digest formula is applied to generate a
unique document digest. The system then generates a unique barcode
for each page of the document based on the digest, document number,
revision number and paging details and the barcodes are
electronically added to the associated pages of the document.
Either the parties to the document sign a printed copy of the
barcoded document or a digital signature is applied using a third
party validation service. The resultant signed and barcoded
document is stored electronically whereby permitted users may
locate existing documents (e.g. contracts), track document
revisions and validate document contents and signatories.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 6,608,911 to Lofgren relates to digital
watermarks integrated into holograms, watermarked hologram
structures, and related applications as an authentication
technique. One method creates a watermark image, and then embeds
the watermark image into a holographic structure. The holographic
structure is carried by a smart card. The smart card includes
additional information. In one embodiment, the digital watermark
includes information bits, and these information bits are used to
authenticate the hologram, or the smart card. In another
embodiment, the watermark's information bits are compared with the
additional information carried by the smart card. The result of the
comparison is used to authenticate the smart card or the
hologram.
[0016] U.S. Patent Application. No. 20050103840 to Boles describes
an arrangement for certifying and checking gem stones and other
valuables and comprises an electron microscope (11) controlled by a
computer (1) and arranged to acquire digitised electron micrographs
of characteristic regions of the gem stone or other valuable,
particularly the culet (13) or girdle (14) which are typically
highly irregular and therefore highly characteristic of individual
stones. The digitised electron micrographs are encrypted and
written to an RFID (7) which can be embedded in a plastics
certificate (10) of in some cases a concealed on the valuable
itself. Any tampering with the gem stone (12) or other valuable can
be detected by reading the stored micrographs in the tag (7) and
comparing them with micrographs newly acquired from the gem stone
(12) or valuable as presented for verification. For extra security,
the digitised encrypted micrographs are also stored in a remote
database which can also include transaction data and can be linked
to a credit card database of a financial institution.
[0017] U.S. Patent Application No. 20090284754 to Haddock describes
a method to generate an optical signature of a coin is disclosed. A
plurality of parameters are generated and recorded related to
rotational positions around the circumference of a coin. The data
from these parameters are combined to produce a searchable
value.
[0018] U.S. Patent Application No. 20100046068 to Tafas describes a
method and apparatus for automating microscopic analysis of a
plurality of data-encoded microscope slides. In embodiments, the
data written to or read from the slides may comprise images,
analysis protocols, analytic results and other pertinent data.
Embodiments also encompass a magazine that contains a plurality of
data encoded slides.
[0019] It is believed that the present invention provides unique
benefits that the related art cannot, for the "protection,
authentication, and identification of a physical object specimen."
For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0113451,
to McDowell, et al., teaches the use of a holder using an RFID
(Radio Frequency Identification Device) for storing a collectible
identification number, a scanner for reading the RFID, and a
processor for looking up information associated with the
collectable object in an external data storage, for creation of an
online store for buyers and sellers to participate in trading of
the collectable objects. McDowell does not teach the storing or
recording of a digital image of the unique appearance
characteristics of the physical object specimen on the holder
itself (with the collectable object). This would actually be
opposed to McDowell's necessary teaching, and invention need, for
storing online data (or possible images) for dealers and traders to
access and facilitate transactions at McDowell's online store
(website). As such, McDowell appropriately utilizes a typical
inexpensive RFID tag for storing a collectible identification
number, such as an ID number. Appropriate to McDowell's invention
teaching and motivation, McDowell does not store or teach storing a
detailed appearance picture image on, or with, the collectable
object container itself, but rather only arguably stores image data
related, or possibly a picture image that is accessed remotely.
This is necessitated by McDowell's invention principle of
operation, which is very different than the present invention.
Also, McDowell only has a need for transitory remote storage of
data or possible images, because there is no need or motivation to
store any data of the collectibles after they have been sold.
Unlike McDowell, the present invention includes a non-volatile data
storage device that does not require any online access by a user.
Additionally, in preferred embodiments of the present invention,
one or more digital images of the present invention are immutable
(protected from change), in part or whole, promoting and creating a
long-term visual record of the unique appearance characteristics of
the physical object specimen. Furthermore, the present invention
for a protection, authentication, identification device for a
physical object specimen, may further record and store a
spectroscopic chemical image providing the molecular
characteristics of the physical object specimen, for further
identification and long-term analysis of any changes to the
physical object specimen over time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0020] In a preferred embodiment of a protection, authentication,
identification device for a physical object specimen is described.
The device includes a holder formed for assembly with at least one
physical object specimen to provide protection and preservation of
the physical object specimen. The holder has a holding area for
receiving the physical object specimen, and is further formed to
resist disassembly and separation with the physical object
specimen. The protection, authentication, identification device for
a physical object specimen also includes a nonvolatile electronic
data storage device configured to store at least one digital image
including sufficient detail to record at least one appearance
characteristic of the physical object specimen. The data storage
device is nondetachably secured to the protection, authentication,
identification device. In some preferred embodiments, at one or
more digital images may be immutable and include a date record of
the creation time of the digital image. One or more digital images
are readable and displayable by a computer system connectable to
the nonvolatile electronic storage device.
[0021] The non-volatile data storage device of the present
invention may also store one or more electronic links that are
capable of providing additional information related to the physical
object specimen. The electronic link may include a security
protocol, such as an encrypted security protocol. The protection,
authentication, identification device may further include a barcode
identifier that may also provide predetermined characteristics of
said physical object specimen.
[0022] In another preferred embodiment, the protection,
authentication, identification device holder is a microscope slide.
The protection, authentication, identification device includes a
nonvolatile electronic data storage device that is configured to
store at least one digital image including sufficient detail to
record at least one appearance characteristic of the visual
appearance of the physical object specimen. Preferred and capable
nonvolatile data storage devices include: integrated circuit type
data storage devices, such as a flash memory type device, or RF
type devices, such as a smart card chip, and laser reactive optical
type data storage devices. One or more digital images, may be
immutable to deter alteration or erasing, and are readable and
displayable by a computer system or computerized device. The
nonvolatile data storage devices are readable by wired or wireless
means depending on the type of data storage device.
[0023] Yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention
for a protection, authentication, identification device for a
physical object specimen includes a nonvolatile electronic data
storage device configured to store at least one digital image
including sufficient detail to record at least one unique
appearance characteristic of the physical object specimen, and
further configured to store at least one spectroscopic chemical
image including sufficient detail to record at least one unique
molecular characteristic of the chemical composition of said at
least one physical object specimen. Both the appearance image and
the spectroscopic chemical image are recorded on the same
non-volatile electronic data storage device and are readable and
displayable by a computer system or computerized device. In
alternatives of the present invention, wherein the data storage
device is a flash memory type data storage device, it may also
include an illuminating indicator activated by a computerized
selection process.
[0024] Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the
invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the
following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it
is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the
invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and
intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope
of the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 shows a right front perspective, exploded view of a
present invention device shown disassembled.
[0026] FIG. 2 shows a top plan view of a present invention device
similar to that shown in FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 3 shows a front elevation view of the present invention
device shown in FIG. 2.
[0028] FIG. 4 shows a rear elevation view of a present invention
device similar to that shown in FIG. 3.
[0029] FIG. 5 shows a right front perspective, exploded view of
another embodiment of the present invention device shown
disassembled.
[0030] FIG. 6 shows a right front perspective view of the present
invention device similar to that shown in FIG. 5 with an optional
protective cap.
[0031] FIG. 7 shows a right front perspective view of another
embodiment of the present invention device similar to that shown in
FIG. 6.
[0032] FIG. 8 shows a right front perspective view of another
embodiment of the present invention device similar to that shown in
FIGS. 6 and 7.
[0033] FIG. 9 shows a right front perspective view of another
embodiment of the present invention device.
[0034] FIG. 10 shows a diagram of a present invention device and
typical corresponding interface with a standard computer system
with or without Internet capability.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] Referring now to the drawings that are for the purpose of
illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention and are
not for the purpose of limiting same, FIG. 1 shows a disassembled
exploded view of a protection, authentication, identification
device 100, for a physical object specimen, such as coin 1. Present
invention device 100 includes a holder having an upper housing 3
and a lower housing 5 that are formed to enclose, protect, and
preserve a physical object specimen. A "physical object specimen"
is defined as a physical object or part of a larger body of a
physical object, for authentication, identification, or
examination, having unique and visibly discernable appearance
characteristics. In FIG. 1, collectible coin 1 is an example of a
physical object specimen that is nondetachably stored with the
protection, authentication and identification device 100 upon
assembly. Hence it "resists detachment" from the device holder
after the device is fully assembled. Coin 1 may be for instance, an
ancient Roman double Denarius struck in A.D. 248. Coin 1 possesses
unique appearance characteristics, such as shape, scale, strike,
luster, reflectance, toning, texture, color, abrasions, die
varieties, mintmarks, centering, edge reeding (or lack of), and
other discernable identification characteristics or features. Other
collectable objects such as stamps, currency, baseball cards, and
historical documents are additional examples of other collectible
type physical object specimens that would likewise be applicable to
the present invention.
[0036] Coin 1 is housed in the present invention holder established
by upper housing 3 and lower housing 5. These holder components may
be constructed from clear plastic, e.g., acrylic, but not limited
to acrylic, that resists disassembly thus promoting long-term
preservation of coin 1. Other plastics, metals, compounds, and
composites may be used for the holder components as well. Within
the scope of the present invention, more than one physical object
specimen may be held in the same holder device, in some cases two,
or three, or more. The physical object specimens may be related, or
unrelated, but may be held in the same holder device, and only
limited by the size and shape of the holder device in relation to
the number and size of physical object specimens.
[0037] A non-volatile memory (NVM) data storage device 31, such as
Flash Memory Card (FMC), will be nondetachably secured to the
protection, authentication, identification device when it is fully
assembled. "Non-volatile" is well known in the industry as being
configured without an on-board power source, such as a battery.
This is useful and beneficial for long-term storage and
advantageous with the nondetachable condition of the data storage
device. Other examples of non-volatile data storage devices are,
but are not limited to, a USB flash drive, PC Card, Memory Card,
MultiMedia Card, Secure Digital Card, Memory Stick, xD-Picture
Card, Smart Card microchip, Optical Laser Spot (optical laser
readable film, material or composite) and other compact
non-volatile, solid-state data storage devices. The data storage
device may be read by wired or wireless means, for a user to view
at least one digital image including sufficient detail to record at
least one unique appearance characteristic of the physical object
specimen. This particular embodiment in FIG. 1 would utilize an
inexpensive flash memory cable that would connect to the pins of
data storage device 31, and a USB port commonly found on a standard
computer system, flash card reader device, or computerized device
for a user to view the appearance characteristics for
authentication and identification of coin 1. Alternately, a
"computer" dedicated to the sole purpose of reading and displaying
the information on data storage device 31, could be utilized.
[0038] For data security reasons in preferred embodiments, data
storage device 31 is configured, in part or whole, with an
immutable condition to deter alteration or erasing of at least one
digital image of at least one unique appearance characteristic of
the physical object specimen, such as coin 1. Immutable shall be
defined herein as data that is highly resistant to change or
alteration. For example, data storage device 31 may have a
Read-Only-Memory (ROM) condition that is immutable, and deters a
user from altering or erasing certain data or images, or all data
and images. Data storage device 31 may be partitioned with a
rewritable partition for updating future data or image records, and
may also contain some dedicated security logic, encryption, or
other security features. Functionally and structurally, the
non-volatile data storage device of the present invention is
electronically structured for recording and storing at least one
detailed digital image record of coin 1 for comparative
identification of the appearance characteristics of the physical
object specimen for user authentication and verification.
[0039] A flexible, plastic core 41 secures collectable coin 1 to a
holding area, preformed cavity 45, which is cut through plastic
core 41 for viewing coin 1 on both sides, the obverse side and
reverse side of said coin 1. A preformed incused cavity 43 nests
data storage device 31 to plastic core 41. Plastic core 41, coin 1,
data storage device 31, and identifier barcode label 21 are secured
and contained within upper housing 3 and lower housing 5, by a
method that resists disassembly and separation of components, such
as, but not limited to, ultrasonic welding of the upper and lower
housing during an assembly process. Either upper housing 3 or lower
housing 5 or both housings may have an access opening 7 that
provides for a data storage reader device or cable to
electronically attach to the port end of the data storage device
31, which has been secured to the protection, authentication,
identification device 100 as to resist separation from same
device.
[0040] Data storage device 31 is compatible with a computer system
or other computerized device with a display, for inspection of at
least one digital image of coin 1 by a user to aid the user in the
authentication of the unique appearance characteristics of coin 1.
The digital image may include embedded security authentication
elements such as a watermark, or digital signature for
authentication verification of the digital image. A time and date
stamp may also be recorded within the viewable frame of the digital
image providing a creation time and date record for further image
authentication.
[0041] Data storage device 31 may contain additional stored data
including additional characteristics of collectable object of coin
1, including at least one obverse (front) and one reverse (rear)
digital image, date of minting, production mintage, and condition
or certification grade. Additionally, data storage device 31 may
also include interesting historical information of coin 1, and may
include for instance, data and digital picture images relevant to
the history of coin 1. For example, coin 1 may be an ancient Roman
Double Denarius struck in A.D. 248 to commemorate the 1000.sup.th
anniversary of Rome's founding. Detailed picture images and
historical facts of the reining ruler, culture, dress, art, and
other relevant historical information may be stored in data storage
device 31.
[0042] Data storage device 31 may also contain predetermined
external database links, such as the certification service's
private network, which may be in the form of Internet Hyperlinks,
that also provide additional information of collectable coin 1, and
other dynamic (changing) data, such as, current certification
population and current valuation. The external database may include
additional security features, for example, it may maintain an
encrypted relationship with the data storage device, or a partition
of the data storage device, and may further require a user login
and password for access to the external database.
[0043] Data storage device 31 may further be configured to store at
least one spectroscopic chemical image including sufficient detail
to record at least one unique molecular characteristic of the
chemical composition of the physical object specimen to further
identify and authenticate the originality of coin 1. Spectrometry
is the spectroscopic technique used to assess the concentration or
amount of a given chemical (atomic, molecular, or ionic) species.
Spectroscopy/spectrometry is often used in physical and analytical
chemistry for the identification of substances through the spectrum
emitted from or absorbed by them. There are many different types of
spectroscopic imaging, but not limited to, including X-ray,
Ultraviolet, and Infrared that would be appropriate types for
producing a chemical digital image assessment of the chemical
molecular structure of coin 1, or other collectibles and physical
objects of antiquity. Infrared spectroscopy offers the possibility
to measure different types of inter atomic bond vibrations at
different frequencies. Especially in organic chemistry the analysis
of IR absorption spectra shows what type of bonds are present in
the sample. The spectroscopic image can detect contaminants that
have deceptively been used to artificially enhance the appearance
of coin 1, and as a means to authenticate originality of the
chemical molecular structure of the physical object specimen. As
such a spectroscopic image can be another method to further
identify and authenticate coin 1, in addition to one or more
digital images of the unique appearance characteristics of the
physical object specimen. Such combination of the present invention
provides a valuable long-term authentication and identification
record. Data storage device 31 may also include a tamper evident
indicator, such as are used with some OTC and prescription
medications, where package entry creates a telltale or reveal that
cannot be corrected once tampering has occurred.
[0044] Barcode identifier label 21 with barcode 23 and collectable
object descriptors 25, when read by the appropriate barcode reader
may also provide predetermined characteristics of coin 1 by means
of an appropriate barcode reader device.
[0045] FIG. 2 shows an assembled top plan view of a protection,
authentication, identification device 100, comprised of a
collectible holder having an upper housing 3 and a lower housing 5
that are formed to enclose, protect and preserve a collectable
object specimen, such as coin 1. Nondetachably secured to the
holder device is collectable coin 1, data storage device 31, such
as a Flash Memory Card (FMC), and a barcode identifier label 21.
Flexible, plastic core 41 secures the collectable coin 1, Flash
Memory Card (FMC) 31, and barcode label 21 between upper housing 3,
and lower housing 5, by a method that resists disassembly such as
ultrasonic welding of upper and lower housing during an assembly
process. Opening 7 is formed in collectable holder upper housings 3
and lower housing 5, providing access for a memory storage Reader
device, such as a Flash Memory Reader device or cable to
electronically attach to the port end of the Flash Memory Card
(FMC) 31, which has been nondetachably secured to the protection,
authentication, identification device 100 by means of assembly with
plastic core 41, upper housing 3, and lower housing 5.
[0046] FIG. 3 shows an assembled front elevation view of a
protection, authentication, identification device 100, comprised of
a collectible holder having an upper housing 3 and a lower housing
5. Opening 7 is formed in collectable holder upper housings 3 and
lower housing 5, providing access for an Flash Memory reader device
or electronic cable attachment, to electronically attach to the
port end 33 of the Flash Memory Card (FMC) 31.
[0047] FIG. 4 shows an assembled rear elevation view of a
protection, authentication, identification device 100, comprised of
a collectible holder having an upper housing 3 and a lower housing
5. Opening 7 is formed in collectable holder upper housings 3 and
lower housing 5, and provides-access for coupling one end of an
inexpensive USB type cable to port 35 and the other end to a
corresponding USB port of a standard computer system. Port 35 is
just one of many different types of port designs and electronic
configurations that may be utilized with the present invention.
[0048] FIG. 5 shows a disassembled exploded front perspective view
of a protection, authentication, identification device 200, wherein
the separate plastic core 41 of FIG. 1 is eliminated and its
features and functions are incorporated into a primary holder.
Device 200 is configured in a microscope slide form factor
measuring approximately 75 mm by 25 mm. It may be used in
conjunction with microscopic functions or it may be used without
microscopic functions. The protection, authentication,
identification device for a physical object 200 includes a holder
211 having a holding area 213 (recessed well) for holding a
physical object specimen, such as a tissue sample 207. Tissue
sample 207 is nondetachably held to holder 211 by a transparent
cover 205 that seats, for instance by a friction fit method in well
recess 213, and becomes predominantly flush with the top surface of
holder 211, thereby inhibiting the removal of both cover 205 and
tissue sample 207. Cover 205 could also be glued to the microscope
slide, in order to seal off the specimen from contamination and
decay. A number of sealants may be used, including commercial
sealants, laboratory preparations, or even regular clear nail
polish, depending on the sample. A solvent-free sealant that may be
used for live cell samples is "varlap", a mixture of vaseline,
lanolin and paraffin in equal parts. Microscope slides are usually
made of glass, such as soda lime glass or borosilicate glass, but
specialty plastics may also be used. Fused quartz slides are often
used when ultraviolet transparency is important, e.g. in
fluorescence microscopy. The present embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is
merely illustrative of one embodiment of the present invention and
is not for the purpose of limiting same, as there are many other
methods of nondetachably mounting a physical object specimen to a
microscope slide, as well as many other microscope slide form
factors. Additionally, within the scope of the present invention,
more than one physical object specimen may be held to the holder of
the present invention, and one or more digital images may be
maintained for each of the physical object specimens. For instance
the present holder may be formed with two well recesses in the
slide holder, with two covers, for two similar or even unrelated
physical object specimens.
[0049] FIG. 5 not only illustrates the device 200 shown, but also
further establishes that the physical holder and support core may
be three pieces (FIG. 1), or two pieces (this FIG. 5). Further, if
cover 205 were hinged (as by a plastic living hinge) to holder 211,
and data storage device 257 slipped into a ratcheted, elongated
holder, the holder of the present invention could be one,
uni-structural member. The specifics of the holder design must
include the specimen holding feature, the nondetachable data
storage deviceholding feature, and the identifier holding feature,
as well as optional but preferred visible access to the specimen.
Otherwise, the holder may be of any shape and number of parts that
a designer may choose or need.
[0050] Data storage device 221 is a non-volatile flash memory type
data storage device that is integrated to one end, or holding area
of the microscope slide holder 213. This may be accomplished simply
by permanently bonding the data storage device to the microscope
slide during the manufacturing process. "Non-volatile" is well
known in the industry as a data storage device that is non-powered,
or simply, does not have a power source on-board, such as a
battery. Data storage device 221 is a flash memory type device, and
can simply be inserted directly into a USB port of a standard
computer or computerized device to display the recorded digital
image of tissue sample 207 displaying finely detailed unique
appearance characteristics and traits of the physical object
specimen that is useful for identification, authentication,
verification, and examination purposes. In many related bio-medical
sciences and forensic sciences, the digital image might have a
displayed date and time of the digital image creation that is
viewable within the frame of the digital image. Data storage device
221 may be electronically configured and partitioned to allow for
additional digital image recordings of physical specimen 207. This
may occur at variable time intervals and the digital image may
include a visible date and time creation record, for further
evaluation and to establish a visual identification record of any
changes in the state of physical object specimen 207, over time,
and then can be comparatively viewed and analyzed with earlier
recorded and dated digital images. For data security reasons, data
storage device 221 may be configured, in part or whole, with an
immutable condition to deter alteration or erasing data or images
related to physical object specimen 207. Data storage device 221
may be partitioned with a rewritable partition for updating future
data or image records, and may also contain some dedicated security
logic, encryption, or other security features.
[0051] Data storage device 221 may further record and maintain a
spectroscopic chemical image including sufficient detail to record
at least one unique molecular characteristic of the chemical
composition of physical object specimen 207. The spectroscopic
digital image can further identify and authenticate tissue sample
207. Spectrometry is the spectroscopic technique used to assess the
concentration or amount of a given chemical (atomic, molecular, or
ionic) species. Spectroscopy/spectrometry is often used in physical
and analytical chemistry for the identification of substances
through the spectrum emitted from or absorbed by them. There are
many different types of spectroscopic imaging, but not limited to,
including X-ray, Ultraviolet, and Infrared, that would be
appropriate types for a digital image assessment of the chemical
molecular structure of tissue sample 207. The spectroscopic
chemical digital image would be recorded on data storage device 221
and also used to verify, identify, and authenticate tissue sample
207.
[0052] Barcode label 203 may include basic identifier information
that is associated with tissue sample 207, and data storage device
221, may also provide corresponding information related to barcode
label 203.
[0053] FIG. 6 shows a right front perspective view of the present
invention device in an assembled view similar to that shown in FIG.
5 with an optional protective cap 261 and an illuminating indicator
LED 273. Similar to FIG. 5, this embodiment for a protection,
authentication, identification device for a physical object 250 is
also a microscope slide form factor. Depending on storage needs or
laboratory protocols, it may include a protective cap 261 that
slides over the contact surfaces of data storage device 257 for
long-term inactive storage. In another alternative for storage of
multiple devices in a same container housing, as often times
microscope slides are stored in cassette housings, data storage
device 257 may be seated in an electronic port of the cassette
housing, and illuminating indicator LED 273 would illuminate upon a
computerized retrieval selection protocol activated by a user
during a selection process. This could be accomplished by a
Graphical User Interface (GUI) wherein the user looking for a
particular slide would activate (click on) the name or image
associated with the desired microscope slide for retrieval. The
electronic port of the selected microscope would then
electronically activate and illuminate indicator LED 273.
[0054] FIG. 7 shows a right front perspective view of another
embodiment of the present invention device similar to that shown in
FIG. 6. FIG. 7 shows another variation of the present invention in
a microscope form factor 300. Of notably difference, non-volatile
data storage device 321 is an optical laser actuated type data
storage recording device. A panel of gold-colored laser sensitive
material is laminated onto the surface or established within a
laminate to the protection, authentication, identification device
300, and stores at least one digital image including sufficient
detail to record at least one unique appearance characteristic of
tissue specimen 331. The laser sensitive material is comprised of
several layers that react when a laser light is directed at them.
Optical data storage is an electronic storage medium that uses
low-power laser beams to record and retrieve digital (binary) data.
In optical-storage technology, a laser beam encodes digital data
onto an optical, or laser material in the form of tiny pits
arranged in tracks on the reactive surface substrate. A low-power
laser scanner is used to "read" these pits, with variations in the
intensity of reflected light from the pits being converted into
electric signals.
[0055] FIG. 8 shows a right front perspective view of another
embodiment of the present invention device similar to that shown in
FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 8 shows another variation of the present
invention in a microscope slide form factor 400. Of notably
difference, is non-volatile data storage device 421 is an
integrated circuit type data storage device capable of storing at
least one digital image including sufficient detail to record at
least one unique appearance characteristic of the physical object
specimen, such as tissue sample 441. Sometimes referred to as a
smart card chip, this nonvolatile electronic data storage device is
read by radio frequency (RF) signals utilizing a built-in inductor
to capture some of the incident radio-frequency interrogation
signal, rectify it, and use it to power the electronics of the data
storage device.
[0056] FIG. 9 shows a right front perspective view of another
embodiment of the present invention device. FIG. 9 illustrates, but
not limited to, yet another form factor of the present invention. A
protection, authentication, identification device for a physical
object 500, is comprised of a collectible holder having an upper
housing 505 and a lower housing 507 that are bonded together. The
housing or holder of the present invention may vary greatly in size
and shape depending on the size and shape of the physical object
that will be contained in the holder. For example, physical object
501 may be a fossil such as a Megalodon Shark tooth
(Miocene-Pliocene).
[0057] Inherently, physical objects have visible appearance
characteristics such as, shape, form, color, reflectance, gloss,
texture, contrast, scale, and other visibly discernable
characteristics. Physical object 501 can therefore be identified as
a Megalodon Shark tooth based on appearance identification
characteristics. Additionally, other scientific methods for
identification may be used in conjunction with the digital image
authentication record, such as carbon dating analysis, which is
common for fossils and physical objects of antiquity. Data storage
device 521 is a non-volatile memory device such integrated circuit
type data storage device, for example a smart card chip, capable of
recording and storing at least one digital image including
sufficient detail to record at least one unique appearance
characteristic of physical object specimen 501. Additional data and
information may also be stored in the protection, authentication,
identification device's data storage device 521 for physical object
specimen 500, for example, the rich history and lore of the
Megalodon Shark including pictorial images of the extinct shark may
also be stored in data storage device 521.
[0058] Typically more than one digital image of physical object 501
would be appropriate to verify identification, and the digital
images would necessarily have moderately to high resolution
sufficient for a user to inspect the small unique appearance
features for identification and authentication. A measuring device,
such as a ruler, or measuring tape, may also be incorporated during
the imaging process, as another means of identifying scale of the
physical object. Data storage device 521 may also contain
predetermined external database links, such as a link to an
oceanography museum site, which may be in the form of Internet
Hyperlinks, and may also provide additional information and data
relevant to physical object 501.
[0059] FIG. 10 shows a diagram of a preferred embodiment of the
present invention device 600, assembled with a physical object
specimen 607, and the typical corresponding interface and read
non-volatile data and imagery of data storage device 605 by a
standard computerized device 620. FIG. 10 of the present invention
shows a diagram of a protection, authentication, identification
device 600 that includes protective holder 603, data storage device
605, and identifier barcode label 601. Physical object specimen 607
is shown assembled with protective holder 603. Data storage device
605 is a nonvolatile electronic data storage device nondetachably
secured to the protection, authentication, identification device
600.
[0060] Nonvolatile data storage device 605 is readable and
displayable by a standard computer system (or computerized device
with a display screen) 620 connectable to data storage device 605
by wired or wireless means 610. Data storage device 605 is
configured to record and store at least one digital image record
including sufficient detail to record at least one appearance
characteristic of physical object specimen 607. Data storage device
605 may further store information related to physical object
specimen 607 including additional digital images that further
authenticate and identify physical object specimen 607, such as a
spectroscopic chemical digital image. Digital imagery may include
any number of digital images necessary for authentication,
identification or examination of physical object specimen 607, in
part, or whole, and with or without magnification. Electronic data
storage device 605 may further store Internet Hyperlinks that may
access additional related information, data or images of physical
object specimen 607 from a predetermined remote database 630, and
the predetermined remote database 630 may have an encrypted
security relationship with data storage device 605.
[0061] Although illustrative embodiments have been described herein
in detail, it should be noted and will be appreciated by those
skilled in the art that numerous variations may be made within the
scope of this invention without departing from the principles and
chief advantages of this invention. Unless otherwise specifically
stated, the terms and expressions have been used herein as terms of
description and not limitation. There is no intention to use the
terms or expressions to exclude any equivalents of features shown
and described or portions thereof, and this invention should be
defined in accordance with the claims that follow, or the
equivalence thereof.
* * * * *