Method And System For Tracking And Authenticating Articles

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and system for tracking, issuing, and authenticating gear or articles, such as uniforms, badges, equipment, weapons, etc, for use in law enforcement or other official capacity. An authentication system retrieves encoded information read by a reader from a plurality of different markers. A database is queried to retrieve biometric data corresponding to each marker whereby the biometric data is displayed on a display. A uniform having a computer-readable marker visible under ultraviolet light and an additional marker. A system for issuing one of the articles by authenticating an officer and storing the identity and encoded information in a database. An apparatus for applying a plurality of markers by way of a conveyor belt conveying the article by an ink jet printer and a laser engraver.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system of authenticating an official comprising:
 a display;   a processor;   a memory unit comprising instructions to configure the processor to:
 retrieve encoded information read by a reader from a plurality of different markers on at least one article; 
 query, over a network transceiver, a database stored on a server using the encoded information to retrieve biometric data corresponding to each marker; and 
 display at least a portion of the biometric data on the display. 
   
     
     
         2 . The system according to  claim 1 , the memory unit further comprising instructions to configure the processor to: in a case of a mismatch between the biometric data corresponding to each marker, display a notification indicating the mismatch. 
     
     
         3 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the reader comprises at least one of a barcode reader, a Quick Response reader, a black light reader, radio frequency reader, or a digital camera. 
     
     
         4 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the article comprises a uniform. 
     
     
         5 . The system according to  claim 4 , wherein the article further comprises a badge. 
     
     
         6 . The system according to  claim 4 , wherein the article further comprises at least one of a flashlight, handcuffs, a vehicle key, eye protection, a riot shield, a baton, a personal video camera, boots, belts, gloves, a pepper spray, a conducted electrical weapon, or a knife. 
     
     
         7 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the biometric data comprises at least one of an institution identifier, a photograph, a name, a badge number, fingerprints, physical measurements, or retinal information. 
     
     
         8 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the system is portable. 
     
     
         9 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the system further comprises a metal detector. 
     
     
         10 . The system according to  claim 1 , the memory unit further comprising instructions to configure the processor to: transmit location identifying and time information to the server for recording in the database. 
     
     
         11 . A uniform comprising:
 a computer-readable marker visible under ultraviolet light; and   at least one additional computer-readable marker.   
     
     
         12 . The uniform according to  claim 11  wherein the additional computer-readable marker comprises at least one of a barcode, a two-dimensional barcode, a laser engraved code, or an radio frequency tag. 
     
     
         13 . An apparatus of applying a plurality of markers to an article comprising:
 a conveyor belt conveying the article past a plurality of coding devices;   the coding devices comprising:
 an ink jet printer applying at least a first marker to the article; and 
 a laser engraver engraving at least a second marker to the article. 
   
     
     
         14 . The apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein the ink jet printer applies ink that fluoresces under ultraviolet light. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein the first marker is selected from at least one of a one-dimensional barcode, a two-dimensional barcode, alphanumerical text, a pattern, and an identifiable graphic. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus according to  claim 13 , further comprising at least one sensor to determine a location of the article on the conveyor belt. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein the second marker is selected from at least one of a one-dimensional barcode, a two-dimensional barcode, alphanumerical text, a pattern, and an identifiable graphic. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus according to  claim 13 , further comprising a digital camera imaging the article following an application of the first and second markers. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus according to  claim 18 , further comprising a source of ultraviolet illumination. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein the first marker and second marker overlie each other.