SECURE BARCODE Russian patent published in 2012 - IPC G06K7/14 G06K19/06 

FIELD: physics, computer engineering.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to a method and apparatus for securing a barcode and authenticating the barcode. The method of securing a barcode and then authenticating the barcode comprises steps of: (A) printing a two-part code, the first part having unique abstract part and the second part having a barcode containing alphanumeric data which are to be secured; securing the barcodes by reading the first part and applying an algorithm to produce a descriptor; reading the second part and decoding it to produce the alphanumeric data which it contains; and associating the first and second parts in a storage device by pairing the descriptor with at least part of the alphanumeric data contained in the barcode; and (B) authenticating the barcode consisting of two parts by reading the first part and applying an algorithm to produce a descriptor; reading the second part having the barcode and decoding it to produce the alphanumeric data which it contains; checking if the first and second parts are associated on the storage device by comparing the pairs of the descriptor and the alphanumeric data with pairs on the storage device; and indicating that the barcode is authentic, or indicating that the barcode is fake.

EFFECT: providing a barcode which cannot be duplicated and from which information can be obtained directly.

9 cl, 13 dwg