HK1240535B - A process of forming an identification marking, and an identification marking formed by way of such a process - Google Patents

Description

Method for forming identification mark and identification mark formed by the method

Technical Field

The present invention provides a method for forming an identification mark, and an identification mark formed by the method. More particularly, the present invention provides a method for forming an identification mark within at least a portion of an optically transparent material.

Background Art

Identification and authentication of items are required for many purposes, such as anti-counterfeiting protection, identification of stolen goods, proof of origin, determination of fraud, ensuring the legitimacy and originality of goods being served, etc. Identification and authentication of goods and items is also critical for health and safety.

The goods or items that require identification and authentication include those such as jewelry, works of art, antiques, artifacts, fashion items, handbags, clocks, wine and spirits, auto parts, electronic goods, medications, food, credit cards, loyalty cards, identification cards, animals, humans, etc.

Traditional ways of marking goods include engravings, serial numbers, batch numbers, manufacturer's labels, tamper-evident labels, seals, watermarks, certification marks, and the like.

In some cases, the marking may be a uniquely identifiable marking, or in other cases, the marking may be a batch marking or a trademark marking.

There are many ways in the prior art to mark goods for identification and authentication purposes, such as attaching adhesive labels containing holograms to items or objects, which are generally considered complex and difficult to replicate. Credit cards may also include reflective holographic images, however, these images are generally basic and can be reproduced by counterfeiters.

Other techniques include attaching a radio frequency tag (RFID) to the object to be authenticated, which needs to be read by a reader and can then be authenticated to the reader by a validation system.

Unique chemical odors or signatures have also been used in the prior art to provide a unique marking to an item or objection, which requires analysis to confirm whether the odor is what it claims to be.

The prior art includes methods such as PCT/FR2001/00322, which describes a method for reading a three-dimensional identification device comprising a mixture of at least two distinguishable materials in the form of a transparent matrix containing gas bubbles. This method comprises a step of identifying the heterogeneous two-dimensional internal structure of the identification device and another step of verifying and proving its third dimension, characterized by reading and verifying the three-dimensional arrangement of the gas bubbles contained in the identification device. The gas bubbles comprise elements that have been self-generated during the hardening of the transparent material. By subjecting the identification device to different illuminations, successively and immediately while it is held in a fixed position, the random two-dimensional pattern of the bubbles is determined by diffusing the illumination, thereby allowing the bubbles to be read and encoded. Furthermore, the three-dimensional aspect of the identification device is confirmed by direct illumination from the same light source.

Another such method is 7,438,237, which describes an indirect identification and authentication method for identifying an object that does not utilize a specific reader. A three-dimensional identifier is attached to the object, and the identifier exhibits three-dimensional heterogeneity distributed randomly within a transparent material, which makes the identifier difficult and impossible to copy. The method uses the stereoscopic vision of the human eye to verify the three-dimensional appearance and confirm the authenticity of the three-dimensional identifier. The identification method or reading is achieved by visually comparing a first two-dimensional image of the three-dimensional identifier stored in a database accessible via a network with the three-dimensional identifier.

It is an object of the present invention to provide identification markings that overcome or ameliorate at least some of the disadvantages as associated with the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for forming an identification mark in an article formed from at least partially optically transparent material for identification and verification, the method comprising the steps of (i) forming a mark in the at least partially optically transparent material by subsurface laser engraving (SSLE); and (ii) forming a plurality of defects in or adjacent to the mark in the at least partially optically transparent material as a result of the step of forming the mark, and by localized heating and irregularities in the at least partially optically transparent material; wherein the plurality of defects forms the identification mark.

The at least partially optically transparent material may be a polymeric material, a crystalline material, or a non-crystalline amorphous solid material such as silicate glass.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides an article comprising an identification mark therein, wherein the identification mark is formed according to the method of the first aspect.

The article may be a card-type article including those selected from the group consisting of access cards, identification cards, smart cards, credit cards and the like.

Alternatively, the article may be an identification device including those selected from the group consisting of an identification mark, a label, an authentication mark, and the like.

The marking is formed within the body of the article, for example, where the article is a vessel, bottle, container, or the like.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a method for confirming and authenticating a mark, the method comprising the steps of (i) acquiring an optical image of a mark formed in an article and formed according to the method of the first aspect from the article by an optical acquisition device; (ii) comparing the optical image with a previously acquired optical image of the mark by a processor; and (iii) when the processor determines a correlation between the acquired image of the mark and the previously acquired optical image of the mark, the processor provides a signal indicating authentication of the mark.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a confirmation system for confirming the authenticity of an article, the confirmation system comprising: a reader device, the reader device acquiring an optical image of a mark from the article, wherein the mark comprises a plurality of defects formed in the article by a method according to the first aspect; a control system, the control system communicating with the reader device to receive a signal from the reader device indicating the optical image of the mark acquired from the article, the control system comprising a data storage device having data indicating a pre-acquired optical image of the mark; the control system comprising a processor, the processor for processing data received from the reader device and from the data storage device; and an authentication indication device, the authentication indication device for providing an indication that the acquired optical image of the mark is associated with the pre-acquired optical image of the mark; wherein upon receiving the signal from the reader device, the processor determines whether the acquired optical image is associated with the pre-acquired optical image, and in case of a valid correlation, sends an authentication signal indicating the correlation from the control system to the authentication indication device.

In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a method for forming an identifiable mark on an article in at least a partially optically transparent material for identification and confirmation, the method comprising the following steps: (i) forming a covert laser readable (CLR) image from at least a portion of the optically transparent material by subsurface laser engraving (SSLE); wherein the CLR image provides a holographically projectable image so that when a laser light source at an appropriate incident angle is applied to a first side of the article and passes through at least a portion of the optically transparent material, and the light passes through the at least partially optically transparent material toward the viewing panel and exits the second side of the article, the necessary holographic image is projected on the viewing panel.

Subsurface laser engraving (SSLE) may form a plurality of defects within or adjacent to a marking within the at least partially optically transparent material as a result of localized heating and irregularities in the at least partially optically transparent material; and wherein the plurality of defects form an optically identifiable mark.

In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides an article having an identifiable marking formed according to the method of the fifth aspect.

The article may further comprise an optically identifiable indicia formed according to the fifth aspect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that a more accurate understanding of the above-described invention can be obtained, a more detailed explanation of the invention, briefly described above, will be provided by reference to specific embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The drawings presented herein may not be drawn to scale, and any reference to dimensions in the drawings or the following description is specific to the disclosed embodiments.

Various variations in these dimensions that will allow the subject invention to function for its intended purpose are considered to be within the scope of the subject invention. It is understood, therefore, that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered limiting in scope, and the invention will be described and explained as follows by means of the additional drawings:

FIG1 shows an enlarged optical photographic representation of an example of an optically transparent polymer film material according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 a provides a schematic illustration of a pattern within an identifier and the resulting holographic image under laser illumination, and FIG. 2 b to FIG. 2 c provide schematic illustrations of different patterns that produce a different holographic image than in FIG. 2 a and FIG. 2 b , or the same holographic image as in FIG. 2 b and FIG. 2 c ;

Figures 3a to 3e provide schematic illustrations of example shapes of regular or irregular patterns when used for marking according to the present invention;

Figures 4a and 4b provide schematic illustrations of CLE images, and Figure 4c depicts the images of Figures 4a and 4b, respectively, including defects;

5a to 5d provide schematic illustrations of examples of defects as used as markings in the present invention;

FIG6a depicts a schematic representation of the manner in which a holographic representation may be viewed in accordance with the present invention; FIG6b shows a photographic representation of a holographic image projected from a marker in accordance with the present invention;

FIG7 shows a schematic representation of a validation and authentication system according to the present invention; and

FIG8 shows a schematic representation of an example of an article according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides for forming markings in at least partially optically transparent materials by subsurface laser engraving (SSLE).

According to the present invention, in a first aspect, a unique non-replicable marking for use as a unique identification mark for an article or item is formed in an at least partially optically transparent material by SSLE.

According to the present invention, in a second aspect, a complex pattern is formed in an at least partially optically transparent material by SSLE, whereby the pattern comprises a distribution or array of dots capable of supporting the projection of a holographic image, also known as a covert laser readable (CLR) image or "hidden text" because the projected image only appears when illuminated by laser light of a specific wavelength and from a specific angle. In this embodiment, a holographic image can be projected.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the first aspect and the second aspect may be used in combination. In addition, in an embodiment, when the pattern of the second aspect is formed, the mark of the first aspect is formed as a result of the formation of the pattern of the second aspect.

To provide such marking, the present invention utilizes subsurface laser engraving (SSLE) technology to form a non-replicable pattern that can be produced beneath the surface of at least a portion of an optically transparent material.

The present invention exploits the imperfect nature of at least partially optically transparent materials, whereby random defects will be generated within the material during the SSLE process, wherein the appearance and location of these defects are unpredictable and non-repeatable.

Regardless of whether the same batch of material or adjacent portions of material is utilized, due to the imperfect nature of the material, even when utilizing the same marking routine, such as writing the same mark, when using SSLE, the defects formed in the material will be different each time.

Thus, according to the present invention, the unique and unreplicable pattern or arrangement of defects produced by SSLE provides a unique identification signature that can be verified by comparison with previously acquired data reflecting the pattern or arrangement of defects within the material.

For the purpose of confirming and authenticating the marking, an optical image is captured or acquired, so that defects can be optically identified without the need for specialized lighting or illumination equipment or special wavelengths, and this can be captured at low or no magnification by an optical acquisition device, such as a digital camera. The captured or acquired image is then compared by a processor with an image previously captured or acquired, and thus confirmation and therefore authentication can be determined.

In embodiments of the present invention, indicia may be formed within a material that may then be used in an identification item that may be attached to or associated with an item or merchandise.

Alternatively, indicia may be written directly into the article when at least a portion of the article is formed from a suitable at least partially optically transparent material.

In other embodiments, markings formed by creating defects are formed when a unique optically identifiable indicia, such as a serial number, or other indicia, such as a barcode or QR code, is written within the material.

As a result of forming a mark for identification and verification, a unique optically recognizable mark can be used in conjunction with a mark formed by a defect. Alternatively, however, regardless of the fact that a mark formed by a defect is not reproducible, the optically recognizable mark may not be unique. As will be understood, even in the case of a counterfeit or imitation of a unique optically recognizable mark, the mark formed by the defect will be unique, and thus, when verification and authentication are sought, such a marling or article will be identified as non-authentic.

In an alternative embodiment, the article to which the marking is applied may be a card-like device, such as an identification card, confirmation card, or credit card, a portion of which is at least partially optically transparent from a first side of the article to another side of the article such that light can pass therethrough.

The pattern, which can be formed to include an array of dots, can support the projection of holographic images, which are also called covert laser readable (CLR) images or "hidden text" because the projected image only appears when illuminated by laser light of a specific wavelength and from a specific angle. According to the present invention, the pattern is formed in the material by SSLE.

In this embodiment, to project such a holographic image, a laser light source at an appropriate angle of incidence is applied to a first side of the article, passes through the article, and then exits a second side of the article toward a viewing panel, projecting the necessary holographic image on the viewing panel. Calculating the CLR image is a challenging and mathematically complex process, and also provides security due to the technical barriers to counterfeiting articles with such CLR, making them difficult to imitate.

It should be noted that the CLR pattern is usually not recognizable with the naked eye, however, with appropriate optical magnification provided by optics, the CLR pattern can be optically recognized. For example, the spot size or line width is usually on the order of several microns, which is not recognizable to the naked eye.

The predetermined projected image is recorded in a database and can be easily accessed via modern communication technologies, such as cellular phones, wireless devices, peripheral devices integrated with the device, readers, and wireless Internet. The authentication method can be performed by comparing the projected image with the images stored in the database. Authentication and confirmation systems such as those known in the prior art can be used in conjunction with the present invention.

In this embodiment, the formation of the pattern also creates an irregular and unreproducible distribution of defects within the material that can be optically identified, confirmed, and authenticated as described above. Thus, combined with the pattern providing the projection of the holographic image, the irregular and unreproducible distribution of defects provides additional difficulty for counterfeiting, thereby providing increased security.

Thus, an identifier comprising a pattern that combines the CLR image and the randomness of the SSLE process is ideal for security purposes.

The basic principle of SSLE as used in the present invention is a nonlinear multiphoton absorption process that places high demands on the laser power control setting to produce desired and controllable results.

Furthermore, the fact that the material is not perfectly uniform throughout makes it impossible to control the laser power so precisely as to produce a pattern identical to a computer-generated dot array image, such as a CLR hologram. As such and inherently, such an image or mark is inherently unreproducible, and according to the present invention, such an image or mark provides a unique mark in its own right that can be used for identification and authentication purposes, including through image analysis.

For example, materials suitable for use in the present invention include polymeric materials such as polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), polyvinyl chloride (PV), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc. When writing is performed by subsurface laser engraving (SSLE) to write a mark in the material, the carbonization caused by the high-energy laser pulse causes local changes, which result in the formation of "dots" or elements of CLR, such as holographic images.

However, due to the inhomogeneity of the material, defects may be unintentionally formed during the process, which may be optically discernible and whose distribution is uncontrollable due to variations in the material structure. In these cases, small unintentionally induced spots may become combined, thereby causing the defect and its distribution due to nonlinear absorption as a result of excess absorption, resulting in a uniquely identifiable mark, which is used for identification and authentication purposes according to the present invention.

Other materials that may be suitable for use with the present invention include crystalline materials, such as sapphire, in which discontinuities in the crystal lattice may be formed randomly, which are suitable for unique marking according to the present invention.

Glass can also be used as material according to the invention, wherein, during writing by SSLE, local defects are induced due to material structural inhomogeneities, which cause changes in the refractive index within the glass, resulting in an unreproducible arrangement of defects used as markings according to the invention.

1 , a magnified optical photographic representation of an example of an optically transparent polymer film material 100 in which markings have been formed by subsurface laser engraving (SSLE) is shown. In this example, a matrix 110 is formed of a plurality of dots 120 having a period of 8 micrometers and a diameter of approximately 2 micrometers.

Thus, the covert laser readable (CLR) pattern in the form of the matrix 110 cannot be discerned by the naked eye because the dots 120 are too small, and can be optically discerned using appropriate optical magnification.

In this example, the polymer film material 100 is formed from polypropylene having a thickness of approximately 1.5 mm.

As shown, defects 130 are formed in material 100, which in this example are caused by localized changes due to carbonization caused by a high energy laser pulse, resulting from the formation of points 120 of the CLR pattern.

As will be observed, defects 130 are irregular and inherently formed due to material properties and inhomogeneities and cannot be replicated even using the same batch of material and using the same pattern. Such defects are optically detectable by the naked eye or under optical magnification and provide a unique pattern through a geometric arrangement that cannot be replicated.

As will be noted, even when forming consistent CLEs, such as the matrix 110 of the present example, with a constant period and spot size, defects 130 occur in unpredictable ways.

According to the present invention, the formation of a unique distribution of defects 130 creates a unique and unreplicable marking.

Images of such markings can be captured by optical capturing means, such as a digital camera, and the images can be stored in a database or data storage for subsequent comparison with subsequently captured images of the markings for validation and authentication purposes.

Thus, the present invention provides for the formation of unique non-copyable markings for security purposes.

The CLE produced when the defect is formed (forms the mark) can also be combined with the non-replicable mark for identification and authentication purposes.

As described below, in other aspects of the invention, a holographic image may be formed within the material, which may be used alone as a means of identification or in combination with defects introduced when the holographic image is formed.

By way of example and with reference to the schematic representations of Figures 2a to 2c, according to the present invention, an array of dots is used as an example of a pattern of identifiers or markings, such as CLR 200a, 200b, 200c suitable for projection as a holographic CLR image 220a, 220b, 220c formed in a material 210a, 210b, 210c by SSLE.

As schematically shown, CLR images 220a, 220b, 220c are projected under laser illumination 230a, 230b, 230c. As shown in Figures 2a and 2b, by using different patterns 200a, 200b, different CLR images 220a, 220b can be projected. It is possible to generate different patterns 200b, 200c that project the same CLR images 220b, 220c, and this is schematically shown in Figures 2b and 2c.

The generation of a CLR image is a highly complex mathematical process that is highly dependent on the algorithm used. Thus, it is theoretically impossible to generate the same pattern by using a different algorithm, and therefore, it is impossible to copy the pattern as long as the algorithm used remains secret.

In order to project a CLR image, there is a limit on the minimum area. As long as the pattern is larger than this limit, the projected CLR image will not be affected. Therefore, there is no limit on the shape of the pattern, as the shape can be regular, such as a square as shown in Figure 3a, a geometrically defined perimeter as shown in Figure 3b, a circle as shown in Figure 3c, or a triangle as shown in Figure 3d; or irregular, such as a freeform as shown in Figure 3e.

Secondly, the pattern in the mark can be part of a larger size dot array. As shown by Figures 4a and 4b, two patterns selected from different parts of the dot array of Figure 4c look different from each other, but in theory, will project the same CLR image under laser illumination.

In order to increase the security level for security purposes, randomness can be included in the selection process, which means that the selection of a specific portion of the larger size dot array can be determined by a random process.

Where correct records are maintained, only the manufacturer or an authorised entity will know the correspondence between the pattern in the identifier and the position of the specific portion in the larger sized dot array.Thus, in this regard the level of security can be increased.

In Figures 5a to 5d, possible defects are schematically illustrated. Figure 5a depicts an ideal or required pattern; in Figure 5(b), during the SSLE process, the power is too strong, or the material is weak or defective at a specific part of the material, resulting in burnt or oversized dots 500 and 520. In Figure 5c, during the SSLE process, when the power is too weak or insufficient, or the material is too strong at a specific part of the material, a missing dot 510 is caused; and in Figure 5d, during the SSLE process, both burnt and missing dots can occur on the same object.

In contrast to normal points in the array, these defects 500, 520 can be much larger when observed using a low-magnification magnifier or even with the naked eye, similar to what was described above with reference to FIG1 . These random defects can occur as a result of a combination of process control and material properties. In this case, even the original manufacturer or authorized entity equipped with the generation algorithm, process parameters, and material source cannot replicate the results, and the result is that each mark is unique. Therefore, the pattern of these defects can be easily observed and can also be used in anti-counterfeiting and verification applications.

By way of example, with reference to FIG6 a , a schematic representation of how a holographic representation can be viewed according to the present invention is shown. Within an article 610 made of at least partially optically transparent material, a covert laser readable (CLR) image 610 is formed by subsurface laser engraving (SSLE). In this case, depending on the application, the defects introduced during the generation of the CLR may or may not be used for security purposes.

The CLR image 610 is an arrangement of points used to form a holographically projectable image such that when a laser light source 620 at an appropriate angle of incidence 630 is applied to a first side of the article 610 and passes through the at least partially optically transparent material, and light 640 passes through the at least partially optically transparent material and exits the second side of the article toward the viewing panel, the requisite holographic image is projected on the viewing panel 650.

Referring to Figure 6b, a photographic representation 670 of a projected holographic image 680 is shown, whereby a CLR image has been formed within the article by the process of the present invention, and the projected image is projected and viewed in the manner described with reference to Figure 6a.

Referring to Figure 7, there is shown a schematic representation of a validation and authentication system 700 according to the present invention, whereby the validation and authentication system is for validating the authenticity of an article. Such article includes a marking as provided by the present invention as described and claimed, whereby the marking includes a plurality of defects formed by subsurface laser engraving (SSLE) as described above with reference to Figure 1.

The validation and authentication system 700 includes a reader device 710 that acquires an optical image of an indicia from an item.

The validation and authentication system 700 further includes a control system 720 in communication with the reader device 710 to receive a signal 730 from the reader device 710 indicative of an optical image of the indicia captured from the article.

The control system 720 includes a data store having data 740 indicating a correlation between a previously acquired optical image of the article and the indicia. The control system 720 includes a processor 750 to process data received from the reader device 710 and from the data store 740.

The validation and authentication system 700 further comprises an authentication indication device 760 to provide an indication that the marked acquired optical image is associated with a marked previously acquired optical image.

Upon receiving signal 730 from reader device 710 , processor 750 determines whether the acquired optical image correlates with a previously acquired optical image and, in the event of a valid correlation, sends an authentication signal 770 from control system 720 to authentication indicating device 760 indicating the correlation.

With reference to Figure 8, there is shown a schematic representation of an example of an article according to the present invention. Such an article may be used with a system as shown in and described with reference to Figure 7.

In this example, the article is a card-type device 800, a portion of which includes at least partially optically transparent material 810, and a mark is formed in at least partially optically transparent material 810 by subsurface laser engraving (SSLE). In this example, the mark can be a random defect formed by writing a CLR image, a CLR mark, or a holographically projectable image, or a combination thereof. Card 800 may further include a further identification element, which may be a serial number, a name, a mark, or the like, or a combination thereof, and may further include an RF (radio frequency) or NFC (near field communication) element.

As will be appreciated, the card 800 may be an identification card, a credit card, an access card, etc., and thus the inclusion of the indicia 820 of the present invention provides security against counterfeiting.

In other embodiments of the invention, the card may be used as a key to ownership and ownership or custody of another item, such as jewelry, which may be associated with the card.

For example, when a piece of jewelry or other merchandise is purchased, a detailed description of the piece of jewelry, which may already be in the database and have information associated with the item of jewelry, such as authentication and original and historical documentation, may then be associated with the unique token 820, which is recognized by the consumer whose personal details 830 may also be stored in association with the unique token 820. As will be understood, more than one piece of jewelry or other item may be associated with the unique card 800.

By providing such an unclonable marking, protection against theft of personal data and information is increased, as the marking cannot be copied.

In other embodiments, the marking can be provided as a label or tag that can be temporarily or permanently affixed to the article. However, in other embodiments, the marking can be formed within the actual article, such as within a polymer or glass material, such as a bottle, etc., thereby providing security against counterfeiting.

The size of the marked pattern depends on the application and may also be influenced by cost. The pattern should be larger than the spot size of the laser used to "read" the pattern. Typically, the pattern diameter should be greater than 0.5 mm. The upper limit of the pattern size is determined by cost concerns; therefore, the larger the pattern, the longer the process time and, therefore, the higher the production cost.

When making articles according to the present invention, a laser can be used to write patterns or marks, such as a picosecond laser or a femtosecond laser. Shorter pulse widths are preferred in order to write the necessary patterns. According to the above examples, the pulse width used is less than 15 picoseconds.

Claims (20)

1. A method for forming a unique and non-reproducible identification mark within or beneath the surface of an article formed of at least partially optically transparent material for identification and authentication, the method comprising the steps of: (i) forming a mark within at least a portion of an optically transparent material, thereby forming the mark by subsurface laser engraving; and (ii) A plurality of defects are formed within or adjacent to the mark in the at least part of the optically transparent material, wherein the plurality of defects are the result of the formation of the mark in step (i) and local heating and irregularities in the at least part of the optically transparent material; The plurality of defects provide a non-reproducible pattern or arrangement of defects produced by laser engraving under the surface, the non-reproducible pattern or arrangement forming the identification mark, thereby the identification mark being unique and non-reproducible. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least partially optically transparent material is a polymer material. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least partially optically transparent material is a crystalline material. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least partially optically transparent material is an amorphous solid material. 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the amorphous solid material is silicate glass. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the mark is a concealed laser-readable image. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the marking is a concealed laser-readable image formed by laser engraving of at least partially optically transparent material under the surface, and wherein the concealed laser-readable image provides a holographically projectable image such that when a laser source is applied to a first side of the article at an appropriate incident angle and passes through the at least partially optically transparent material, and the light passes through the at least partially optically transparent material and exits the article toward a second side of the observation panel, a necessary holographic image is projected onto the observation panel. 8. An article comprising an identification mark, wherein the identification mark is formed by the method of claim 1. 9. The article of claim 8, wherein at least a portion of the article is formed of a suitable at least partially optically transparent material. 10. The article of claim 8, wherein the article is a card article, the card article including those cards selected from the group consisting of access cards, ID cards, smart cards and credit cards. 11. The article of claim 8, wherein the article is an identification device, the identification device comprising those selected from the group consisting of identification marks, tags and authentication marks. 12. The article of claim 8, wherein the mark is formed in the body of the article. 13. The article of claim 8, wherein the mark is formed in the body of the article, and wherein the article is a vessel, bottle, or container. 14. A method for verifying and authenticating a mark, the method comprising the following steps: (i) Acquiring an optical image of a mark from an article using an optical acquisition device, the mark being formed within the article and formed according to the method of claim 1; (ii) Comparing the optical image with a pre-acquired optical image of the marker using a processor; and (iii) When the processor determines the correlation between the acquired image of the tag and the pre-acquired optical image of the tag, the processor provides a signal indicating the authentication of the tag. 15. A verification system for confirming the authenticity of an item, the verification system comprising: A reader device that acquires an optical image of a mark from an article, wherein the mark includes a plurality of defects formed within the article by the method of claim 1; A control system, communicating with the reader device, for receiving from the reader device a signal indicating an optical image of the mark acquired from the article, the control system including a data memory having data indicating a pre-acquired optical image of the mark; the control system further including a processor for processing the data received from the reader device and the data memory; and An authentication indicator device for providing an indication that an acquired optical image of the tag is associated with a pre-acquired optical image of the tag; When the processor receives the signal from the reader device, it determines whether the acquired optical image is associated with the pre-acquired optical image, and if there is a valid correlation, it sends an authentication signal indicating the correlation from the control system to the authentication indicator device. 16. A method for forming an identifiable mark onto an article for identification and authentication within at least a partially optically transparent material, the method comprising the steps of: (i) By laser engraving under the surface, a concealed laser-readable image is formed using at least partially optically transparent material; The concealed laser-readable image provides a holographically projectable image such that when a laser source is applied to a first side of the article at an appropriate incident angle and passes through the at least partially optically transparent material, and the light passes through the at least partially optically transparent material and exits the second side of the article toward the observation panel, the necessary holographic image is projected onto the observation panel. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein, as a result of localized heating and irregularities in the at least partially optically transparent material, a plurality of defects are formed under the surface by laser engraving within or adjacent to a mark in the at least partially optically transparent material; and wherein the plurality of defects form optically identifiable marks. 18. An article having an identifiable mark formed by the method according to claim 16, wherein The item is a card-type item, which includes those selected from the group comprising access cards, ID cards, smart cards, and credit cards. Identification devices include those selected from the group consisting of identification marks, labels and certification marks, or utensils, bottles and containers. 19. The article of claim 18, further comprising an optically identifiable mark formed according to claim 1. 20. A verification system for confirming the authenticity of an item, the verification system comprising: A reader device that acquires an optical image of a mark from an article, wherein the mark includes a plurality of defects formed within the article by the method of claim 16; A control system, communicating with the reader device, for receiving from the reader device a signal indicating an optical image of the mark acquired from the article, the control system including a data memory having data indicating a pre-acquired optical image of the mark; the control system further including a processor for processing the data received from the reader device and from the data memory; and An authentication indicator device for providing an indication that an acquired optical image of the tag is associated with a pre-acquired optical image of the tag; When the processor receives the signal from the reader device, it determines whether the acquired optical image is associated with the pre-acquired optical image, and if there is a valid correlation, it sends an authentication signal indicating the correlation from the control system to the authentication indicator device.