Frank Lee Tucker

US Patent:

48072877, Feb 21, 1989

Filed:

Apr 6, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/034192

Inventors:

Frank D. Tucker - Valencia CA
Leonard Nunley - Agoura CA

Assignee:

Light Signatures, Inc. - Los Angeles CA

International Classification:

H04K 100
G06F 1110

US Classification:

380 23

Abstract:

A system for authenticating a document includes a uniqueness characteristic reader to generate a first identifier for the document. The identifier is then encrypted and optionally encoded to define an error correction code. The encrypted identifier and the optional error correction code are combined in accordance with a predefined format to define a code which is stored on the document itself (such as on a magnetic stripe). Authentication of the document is accomplished by reading the code on the item. The code is then processed to identify the location and quantity of any erroneous data. The identified location and quantity information for erroneous data, in conjunction with the optional error correction code, is then utilized to correct all errors in at least the encrypted identifier portion of the code read from the storage medium. The resultant encrypted identifier is therefore retrieved from the storage medium on the item without error. The retrieved encrypted identifier is then decrypted to retrieve the first identifier.