Did you ever wonder just how effective holograms are as an anti-counterfeiting device? When they first came out in the 1980’s, we were all impressed. It was like “Star Wars” on our credit cards. But over the years as we’ve gotten used to them, I am sure I’m not the only one who wondered if they’re really any good at this technological point in history.
According to Wired News, it’s a pretty good question. In fact, holograms are pretty lousy security devices — which you could probably guess given their near-ubiquity along with the fact that the products on which their found are still counterfeited right and left.
Ironically, the digital perfectness, if you will, of holograms is actually counterproductive, according to the article:
“The hardest part is peeling the original off,” says Jeff Allen, one of the pioneers of holography. “You can duplicate a hologram, and the duplicate becomes a master you can use for production.”
Hm. You’ll pardon me for saying so, but after this post from earlier today I can’t resist this, which seems to sum up the hologram problem quite well:
“Hello, Rabbit,” Pooh said, “is that you?”
“Let’s pretend it isn’t,” said Rabbit, “and see what happens”
“I’ve got a message for you” said Pooh.
“I’ll give it to him” said Rabbit.
Originally posted 2009-10-12 20:59:00. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
