1. A method comprising: causing a graphic user interface of a device to display an initial instruction to obtain continuous video that positions all of an item within a field of view of a camera of said device; automatically recognizing identified features of said item from a full-view video frame of said continuous video obtained when all of said item was within said field of view of said camera, using a processor in communication with said camera; after displaying said initial instruction, causing said graphic user interface to display a subsequent instruction to zoom in on said item and position only a portion of said item within said field of view of said camera while continuing to obtain said continuous video; automatically recognizing patterns from a zoom-in video frame of said continuous video obtained when only said portion of said item occupied all of said field of view of said camera, using said processor; and performing an authentication process using said identified features and said patterns to determine whether said item is valid, using said processor.