Labeling and authenticating using a microtag
A system for encoding energy peaks of an identifier comprises an encoder. The encoder is configured to define a readable spectral range of an identifier. The identifier comprises a rugate microtag. The encoder is configured to divide the readable spectral range into a plurality of bins. The encoder is configured to encode in a center of a bin near one end of the readable spectral range a reference peak. The encoder is configured to encode in a center of each of a set of bins a set of peaks of a data pattern within the readable spectral range.
1. A system for decoding energy peaks of an identifier, comprising:
A decoder configured to:
receive a reference peak position associated with an identifier, wherein the identifier comprises a rugate microtag;
receive a set of data pattern peak positions associated with the identifier;
determine a farthest peak of the set of data pattern peak positions from the reference peak position; and
determine a set of data pattern peak bins from the set of data pattern peak positions, wherein the set of data pattern peak bins are based at least in part on a lowest error for a set of potential data pattern peak bins corresponding to the set of data pattern peak positions for a potential bin position for the farthest peak.
2. A system as in claim 1 , wherein the identifier has an identifying data value determined based at least in part on the data pattern.
3. A system as in claim 2 , wherein the identifying data value includes an error correction code data.
4. A system as in claim 2 , wherein the identifying data value comprises a digital signature value.
5. A system as in claim 2 , wherein the identifying data value includes a channel code data.
6. A system as in claim 1 , wherein the identifier is added to an object for identification.
7. A system as in claim 1 , wherein the rugate microtag comprises oxidized etched silicon.
8. A system as in claim 1 , wherein the identifier identifies an object by being optically read.
9. A system as in claim 8 , wherein optically reading comprises detecting a reflectance spectrum.
10. A system as in claim 9 , wherein optically reading comprises optically reading using one or more of the following: reading using visible wavelengths, reading using infrared wavelengths, or reading using ultraviolet wavelengths.
11. A method for decoding energy peaks of an identifier, comprising:
receiving a reference peak position associated with an identifier, wherein the identifier comprises a rugate microtag;
receiving a set of data pattern peak positions associated with the identifier;
determining, using a processor, a farthest peak of the set of data pattern peak positions from the reference peak position; and
determining a set of data pattern peak bins from the set of data pattern peak positions, wherein the set of data pattern peak bins are based at least in part on a lowest error for a set of potential data pattern peak bins corresponding to the set of data pattern peak positions for a potential bin position for the farthest peak.
12. A method as in claim 11 , wherein the identifier has an identifying data value determined based at least in part on the data pattern.
13. A method as in claim 12 , wherein the identifying data value includes an error correction code data.
14. A method as in claim 12 , wherein the identifying data value comprises a digital signature value.
15. A method as in claim 12 , wherein the identifying data value includes a channel code data.
16. A method as in claim 11 , wherein the identifier is added to an object for identification.
17. A method as in claim 11 , wherein the rugate microtag comprises oxidized etched silicon.
18. A method as in claim 11 , wherein the identifier identifies an object by being optically read.
19. A method as in claim 18 , wherein optically reading comprises detecting a reflectance spectrum.
20. A method as in claim 19 , wherein optically reading comprises optically reading using one or more of the following: reading using visible wavelengths, reading using infrared wavelengths, or reading using ultraviolet wavelengths.