UniqueMark Operation

The project is an enhancement of algorithms, designs, and enablement of rapid verification in databases, of the UniqueMark project, developed between INCM and ISR-UC, which delivered a proof-of-concept for unique assay markings on precious metals via punch/laser processes. The UniqueMark project aims to improve the safety of INCM’s contrasting marks in precious metal artefacts (the precious metals are officially designated: gold, silver, platinum and palladium), making them unique and unable to be copied and faked. One of the goals of the project is to allow the authenticity testing of the object to be done by goldsmiths, merchants, and consumers, armed with easy-to-use instruments such as smartphones.

Following the two previous projects, the UniqueMark Operation project emerges. The main objective of this project is the operationalization of the UniqueMark technology, with a view to its commercial launch by INCM. Thus, within the scope of this project, the main tasks of the project involve (1) carrying out exhaustive tests on a large number of precious metal artifacts, supplied by INCM, either using diamond particle punching or using laser equipment; (2) improvement of previously developed algorithms for identification and characterization of the unique distribution of particles (punching) or for the characterization of marking by identification of unique characteristic points created by the laser beam (laser marking); (3) improvement of the validation algorithms and (4) the creation of a database of images of assay markings. The database is expected to contain thousands of images, including high-resolution images acquired with dedicated equipment and images acquired with mobile phones. This database will be at the service of training and testing algorithms for detail extraction and marking recognition.

In short, the UniqueMark Operation project is a definitive step forward towards making UniqueMark technology a reality at the service of the consumer, creating a high security and anti-fraud instrument, but also innovative digital mechanisms to improve the consumer experience.