Method and apparatus for fractal identification
A method and system for applying and reading a fractal image to and from a plurality of objects to act as an identification label is provided. The system includes a printer for printing a fractal pattern to the plurality of objects and a reader for reading the printed fractal pattern. Such a fractal image is robust to printing and imaging difficulties and inconsistencies, and is difficult to copy, thus defending against counterfeiting.
1. A system for identifying one or more objects, comprising:
a printer for printing a fractal pattern having a first predetermined number of fractal dimensions at a first predetermined resolution to the one or more objects; and
an imaging apparatus for imaging from the one or more objects the printed fractal pattern at a second predetermined number of fractal dimensions at a second predetermined resolution.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more objects comprise medication pills.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the fractal pattern includes one or more piece of coded information contained therein.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein a portion of the fractal image is printed on each of the one or more objects.
5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the fractal image is defined in accordance with an Integrated Function System.
6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the encoded fractal image is defined in accordance with an L-system.
7. A method for identifying one or more objects, comprising the steps of:
providing the one or more objects to a printing location;
defining a fractal pattern to be printed to the one or more objects;
printing a fractal image to the one or more objects, the fractal image having a first predetermined number of fractal dimensions at a first predetermined resolution; and
imaging from the one or more objects the printed fractal pattern at a second predetermined number of fractal dimensions at a second predetermined resolution.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the one or more objects comprise medication pills.
9. The method of claim 7 , wherein the fractal pattern includes one or more piece of coded information contained therein.
10. The method of claim 7 , wherein a portion of the fractal image is printed on each of the one or more objects.
11. The method of claim 7 , wherein the fractal image is defined in accordance with an Integrated Function System.
12. The method of claim 7 , wherein the fractal image is defined in accordance with an L-system.
13. The method of claim 7 , wherein the fractal image is selectively printed with a higher resolution.
14. The method of claim 7 , wherein the fractal image further comprises a combination of a plurality of fractal images.