Device for identifying, registering, tracking and marketing assets

Abstract

Device (700) with a reading device for tokenization and use of assets, configured for: a) the registration of at least one asset in a distributed ledger; b) the allocation of a fungible or non-fungible token with a public key to the at least one asset; c) reading information about the at least one asset using the reading device; d) verification of ownership of the at least one asset using a private key that matches the public key; and, e) carrying out a transaction involving at least one asset.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates in some embodiments to the management and use of assets and in particular, but not exclusively, to the management of assets such as precious stones.

[0002] Direct laser marking, e.g., with femtosecond laser pulses, is a method for creating various types of photonic devices within transparent materials, where laser interactions are confined to or near the laser focus volume. This allows for the fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) photonic devices. Different types of femtosecond lasers can be used to modify the refractive index of transparent materials, for example, to create buried optical waveguides.

[0003] See, for example, US Patent No. 5,656,186 by Mourou et al., which describes the interaction of ultrafast lasers with materials, and "Writing waveguides in glass with a femtosecond laser" by Davis et al., Opt. Lett. 21, 1729-1731 (1996), which describes a method for fabricating buried optical waveguides using ultrafast lasers. US Patent No. 6,977,137 by Borrelli et al. discloses the writing of refractive index changes in three dimensions using femtosecond lasers and various devices.

[0004] This ultrashort laser writing of optical circuits is a promising method for fabricating compact optical circuits by creating devices in multiple layers or other geometries that utilize the entire physical 3D space, compared to planar optical circuits (2D) or fiber optics (1D). Various devices such as power dividers, directional couplers, and multimode interference (MMI) power dividers are possible. Recently, buried optical waveguides were demonstrated by focusing femtosecond laser pulses with an optical microscope objective beneath the surface of synthetic diamond. The object / sample was then scanned relative to the laser using computer-controlled motion stages: Eaton et al. “Diamond photonics platform enabled by femtosecond laser writing” Scientific Reports volume 6, Article number: 35566 (2016).

[0005] Further background information can be found in US9849364 by Tran, et al, CA2942229 by Davies, WO2016 / 205336 by Kirsch and US2016 / 0085955 by Lerner. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to one aspect of the invention, a device for tokenizing and utilizing assets is provided, comprising the following: a) registering at least one asset in a distributed ledger; b) assigning a non-forgery token with a public key to the at least one asset; c) reading information about the at least one asset using a reader; d) verifying ownership of the at least one asset using a private key that matches the public key; e) executing a transaction with the at least one asset. Optionally, the non-forgery token is associated with an asset or a group of assets.

[0007] In one embodiment of the invention, the device further comprises marking the asset prior to registration.

[0008] In one embodiment of the invention, the device further comprises the evaluation of a person or entity responsible for the identification of the asset, based on trustworthiness, accuracy, or honesty.

[0009] In one embodiment of the invention, the non-forgery token contains information relating to at least one of the asset's properties, namely ownership, origin, location, and previous transactions.

[0010] In one embodiment of the invention, the ownership information also includes the fractional ownership of the asset.

[0011] In one embodiment of the invention, the non-forgery token contains information about at least one of the properties of the asset, the ownership, the origin, the location and previous transactions.

[0012] In one embodiment of the invention, the ownership information also includes fractional ownership of the asset.

[0013] In one embodiment of the invention, a transaction includes primary purchases of the asset, secondary market trading of the asset, secured lending, insurance, law enforcement, verification of the asset, and certification of the asset.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, a device is further provided which is configured for marking and comprises: a) positioning the asset with respect to the laser system; b) modifying the asset with a laser to create a smooth modification “voxel” that is invisible at 10x optical magnification; c) detecting the modification using an optical reader consisting of more than 10x magnification, an asset carrier, a positioning system, a CCD and blockchain-connected software.

[0015] In one embodiment of the invention, the change in the asset consists in the multiphoton absorption by the transparent material.

[0016] In one embodiment of the invention, the laser is operated at a wavelength such that the photon energy is lower than the bandgap energy of the material, in order to ensure nonlinear absorption. In one embodiment of the invention, the laser wavelength is in the range of 1020–1050 nm or in the second harmonic wavelength in the range of 510–525 nm.

[0017] In one embodiment of the invention, the lens of the reading device for laser marking can have a numerical aperture between 0.25 and 1.5.

[0018] In one embodiment of the invention, a single laser pulse is used for laser writing of a voxel, which forms the identification label.

[0019] In one embodiment of the invention, the pulse energy of the laser is more than 15 nJ.

[0020] In one embodiment of the invention, the object is a stone, a rare book, an antique, an automobile, or a collector's item.

[0021] In one embodiment of the invention, the step of modifying the asset can include local two-dimensional modification of the asset below the surface.

[0022] In one embodiment of the invention, the device is configured to generate a three-dimensional pattern of static laser exposures beneath the surface of the object.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, a device for identifying, registering, and tracking an object is provided, comprising: labeling the asset with at least one identification and one associated asset piece of information using a labeling unit; and reading at least one of the identification and one associated asset piece of information using a reading device, wherein at least one of the identification and one associated asset piece of information is registered in a distributed ledger, being uploaded by the labeling unit via a communication link and retrieved by the reading device via a communication link, and wherein at least one of the identification and one associated asset piece of information is encrypted when uploaded to the distributed ledger and decrypted when retrieved from the distributed ledger.

[0024] In one embodiment of the invention, the device is further configured to include at least one of the following pieces of information in at least one of the identification and associated asset information: brand, origin, current physical location, previous physical location, current owner(s), previous owner(s), previous transaction(s) involving the asset, classification details, certification details, a numerical code, text, a graphic, a logo, a pattern, which are associated, for example, with a particular company.

[0025] In one embodiment of the invention, the reading of the identification and / or asset-related information is subjected to a filter, whereby selectively only a part of the identification and / or asset-related information is returned.

[0026] In one embodiment of the invention, the reading is performed during the execution of a transaction, including primary and secondary sales, use as security, monetization, investment, insurance, financing, logistics, custody chain, verification, validation, certification, classification, law enforcement, trademark enforcement, protection against asset theft, protection against counterfeiting, asset recovery, commodity trading and commerce. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE MULTIPLE VIEWS IN THE DRAWING(S)

[0027] Some embodiments of the invention are described here by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. With particular reference to the drawings in detail, it is emphasized that the details shown are exemplary, not necessarily to scale, and serve the purpose of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this respect, the description in conjunction with the drawings makes it clear to those skilled in the art how the embodiments of the invention can be carried out.

[0028] In the drawings: Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic representation of linear single-photon absorption and nonlinear multiphoton absorption, showing that multiphoton absorption can lead to smaller modified volumes than linear absorption; Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a laser system that could be used to write micrometric voxels within a gemstone, employing computer-controlled 3D motion stages to move the object / sample relative to the beam; Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a laser system that could be used to write micrometric voxels into a gemstone, using a galvanometric mirror to move the beam relative to the object / sample; Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a single laser-modified voxel in a gemstone; Fig. Figure 5 is a scheme of a 3D pattern made of laser-modified voxels that can be used as an identification marker when read out with a light microscope; Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic representation of an optical reading device with special hardware and software for automatic localization and identification of the laser-written label; Fig. Figure 7 is a schematic representation of a system for identifying, registering, tracking and / or commercializing assets; Fig. Figure 8 is a flowchart of a procedure for using a system for identifying, registering, tracking and / or commercializing assets; and, Fig. Figure 9 is a flowchart of an exemplary procedure for tokenizing and using assets. DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EXECUTIONS OF THE INVENTION

[0029] The present invention relates in some embodiments to the management and use of assets and in particular, but not exclusively, to the management of assets such as precious stones.

[0030] Before at least one embodiment of the invention is explained in detail, it should be understood that the application of the invention is not necessarily limited to the design details and the arrangement of the components and / or methods illustrated in the following description and / or in the drawings and / or examples. The invention can also be practiced or implemented in other embodiments or in different ways.

[0031] According to the present invention, in the broadest sense, a device (and associated hardware) is provided comprising: a) marking an asset, such as a gemstone, a transparent or translucent material, a polymer, a precious stone or crystal, or other assets, such as rare books, automobiles, antiques, and other collectibles, with identifying information, wherein the marking comprises modifying the structure of the asset at a desired location using a marking unit; b) registering / recording the identifying information, e.g., using blockchain technology; c) subsequently reading the mark / identification using a reading device, such as an automated optical reader.a zoomable camera, smartphone, mobile device or microscope; d) optionally updating the recorded information, for example by updating the blockchain, based on transactions and / or changes to information relevant to the asset; e) optionally exploiting the integrity / reliability / failability of the asset's recorded identification information to market the asset and / or otherwise derive benefit from it; and wherein many process steps also include translation / encryption / decryption / processing stages using hardware and / or software.

[0032] In general, it is assumed that the registration information stored in the blockchain is read via a reading device (e.g. a smartphone or other portable reading device), optionally using a cloud- or internet-based process and / or artificial intelligence (AI) and / or image recognition methods.

[0033] The marking of the object consists of a gentle and localized alteration of the object material through the absorption of a focused laser pulse. The alteration occurs within the focal volume of the lens used to focus the laser. This localized alteration, or "voxel," can have a width of less than 1 micrometer and a vertical extent of less than 2 micrometers. Similar but different methods are described in WO2017 / 006092 of Oxford University Innovation, Ltd., the full disclosure of which is included here.

[0034] The device may involve modifying the gemstone (or any other object) through nonlinear multiphoton absorption.

[0035] The device may involve the use of a pulsed laser, optionally using only a single (i.e., non-repeated) laser pulse.

[0036] The device can use a laser with a nominal wavelength at which nonlinear absorption occurs instead of the linear absorption of individual photons. The deposition of the laser energy therefore takes place through the simultaneous absorption of multiple photons, so that the summed energy of the photons is greater than or equal to the band gap energy of the gemstone.

[0037] In this way, the volume of laser-induced change is reduced, since nonlinear absorption only takes place in a volume where the intensity of the laser is greater than the threshold intensity for nonlinear absorption.

[0038] This laser wavelength can be in the range of 1020–1050 nm and is compatible with the cost-effective and reliable Yb-based femtosecond laser technology. Additionally, alternatively, and / or optionally, the second harmonic wavelength (wavelength in the range of 510–525 nm) can be used to achieve a slightly higher structuring resolution.

[0039] The microscope objective used for laser marking can have a numerical aperture between 0.25 and 1.5.

[0040] The laser's repetition rate can range from 1 kHz to 10 MHz, with some embodiments using only a single laser pulse (obtained with a commercially available pulse picker) for laser marking of a voxel that makes up the identification label.

[0041] The laser pulse energy can be varied between 2 nJ and 1000 nJ to achieve a subtle modification of the gemstone, visible only under high optical magnification (>10x-100x). Alternatively, the energy can be set between 2 nJ and 14 nJ, between 15 nJ and 150 nJ, between 40 nJ and 125 nJ, or between 50 nJ and 100 nJ.

[0042] In some embodiments, the present description relates to micrometer-sized, optionally buried, identification tags that are laser-etched into diamonds, crystalline materials, and other precious stones or other valuables with moderate pulse energy (in some embodiments between about 15 nJ and about 150 nJ), followed by reading them with an optical reader. Optionally, the optical reader is automatic. Optionally, the optical reader is operated manually. Optionally, the optical reader is partially automatic and partially manual. By focusing a femtosecond pulsed laser beam (with a pulse duration of less than 1 ps, in some embodiments) with a high-magnification microscope objective into a transparent precious stone, rock, or crystalline material such as a diamond (e.g.,(Clear, colored, artificially produced) a micrometer-sized increase in the refractive index can be achieved compared to the untreated material. By selecting appropriate laser exposure parameters (pulse energy, pulse repetition (it can also be just a single pulse), exposure time, depth, focusing objective, and / or wavelength), a subtle refractive index modulation can be achieved that is invisible or imperceptible to known optical testing and certification / grading methods (10x magnification), such as those of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). However, such a modification would be designed to be visible to high-magnification optical viewing methods (40x), such as the microscopy used in the reading device proposed in this disclosure.

[0043] The device can be configured to include the step of modifying the gemstone or other object by directing a focused laser at a certain depth below the surface instead of at the surface.

[0044] The gemstone modification process can involve local modification of the gemstone at a depth between 10 and 200 microns. In some embodiments, the modification depth is in the range of 200 to 500 micrometers for safety reasons.

[0045] The device can be configured so that the pulse energy is just above the damage threshold, making the mark visible at high magnification (e.g., 40x) but invisible at the GIA's (or another agency's) standard 10x magnification, thus preserving the gemstone's value. For a given material, focusing lens, and marking depth, an initial study can be conducted on a sacrificial stone, finely varying the pulse energy from just below to just above this damage threshold. Subsequently, additional diamonds can be marked with this optimal pulse energy, optionally 10% above the damage threshold determined using 100x optical microscopy.

[0046] The laser modification volume can have a width of less than 1 micrometer and a vertical extent of less than 2 micrometers. Optionally, these dimensions can be larger or smaller, depending, for example, on the pulse duration and / or energy and / or the material to be modified. In some embodiments, the modified volume of the gemstone has a width of less than 500 nm and a vertical extent of less than 1 micrometer to enable maximum density during laser marking.

[0047] The pulse duration can be shorter than the characteristic time for heat diffusion of the material to avoid overheating. The laser pulse duration can range from 1 femtosecond to 10 picoseconds. The pulse duration can be approximately 300 femtoseconds. This pulse duration can be adjusted depending on the material being processed / etched.

[0048] The device can be configured to create a two-dimensional or three-dimensional pattern of static laser beams beneath the surface of the gemstone. Such two- or three-dimensional patterns of isolated, laser-shaped voxels form the desired marking pattern. These patterns can be generated by shifting the laser focus relative to the object.

[0049] The device can be configured to include a writing step in the production of an embedded label for the secure identification of the gemstone, which is compatible with blockchain technology.

[0050] The device can include a hardware / software interface for automatically reading the laser-shaped label with an optical reader, e.g., an optical microscope with 40x magnification, for integration into blockchain technology.

[0051] The object may be a diamond, a crystalline structure, a transparent or translucent material, a gemstone, or any other material or substance referenced herein or conceivable by a person skilled in the art, regardless of whether it occurs naturally or is artificially produced. It is understood that in some embodiments of the invention, the laser marking does not perceptibly alter the object at certain magnifications, but is still perceptible at high magnifications. The device may be configured to include the step of modifying the gemstone by focusing the pulsed laser below the surface of the gemstone in a specific area, as described above. The step of gently modifying the gemstone may include modification at a specific depth, as described above.The device can be configured to select a laser pulse energy just above the damage threshold, as described above. The laser-modified volume of the gemstone can have a transverse and vertical extent of 1 micrometer or 2 micrometers, as described above. It is understood that the transverse and / or vertical extent can be greater or less than 1 micrometer or 2 micrometers, respectively. Examples include 0.25 micrometers and 10 micrometers. The device can be configured to create a two- or three-dimensional pattern of laser-written voxels, as described above.The device can be configured to include a manufacturing step or label required for the secure identification of a gemstone, which can be read by an optical reader, for example using high-magnification optical microscopy and custom software and / or hardware for integration into the blockchain for tracking transactions related to the specific identification and / or information associated with the physical asset (gemstone, crystalline material, diamond, etc.) that has been laser-etched with an identification label.

[0052] Thus, the present invention, at least in some embodiments, can be regarded as a device for modifying an asset, enabling the following: (i) Production of an identifying etching, e.g., weakly laser-etched voxels, a barcode, a QR code, and / or the like, within the volume of a gemstone or on / in another asset. Varying the average laser power, pulse duration, and beam shape allows control over the morphology of these voxels, which in one embodiment of the invention are the basic elements for forming a security label. (ii) High positional accuracy and low spatial distribution of changes in three dimensions within the gemstone. In one embodiment of the invention, the gemstone is altered where the intensity of the laser pulse is greater than the threshold for nonlinear multiphoton absorption. (iii) Generation of voxels at arbitrary points within the gemstone, limited only by the working distance of the focusing lens, in one embodiment of the invention. (iv) Rapid generation of complex 2D and 3D patterns using computer-controlled tables to move the object relative to the laser or a galvanometric scanner to move the laser beam relative to the object.

[0053] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates the advantage of using ultrashort laser pulses (1 fs to 10 ps) compared to longer pulses (over 10 ps) or continuous-wave lasers with respect to the resolution of 3D patterns in transparent materials (in one embodiment of the invention, the material would be that of an asset). Two different laser beams are focused by a focusing lens of a microscope objective onto a disk containing a fluorescent dye. On the left, a continuous (non-pulsed) laser 110 with a blue wavelength of 400 nm is focused, causing linear absorption in the liquid dye, which absorbs at blue wavelengths. The absorption is evident from the subsequent fluorescence of the dye, which occurs wherever the focused beam is located, thus limiting the spatial resolution of the laser interaction.On the right, a longer-wavelength near-infrared laser (120) with a wavelength of 800 nm and ultrashort laser pulses is focused onto the same transparent dye. Although this wavelength is too long for linear absorption, a nonlinear effect known as multiphoton absorption occurs. In this case, two photons combine their photon energies to bridge the band gap of the transparent material and cause nonlinear multiphoton absorption. Since this effect only occurs at intensities above a certain threshold, the interaction can be confined to a volume (e.g., < 1 micrometer)3 that is smaller than the laser's focal volume. This fact enables high-resolution 3D structuring with focused ultrashort laser pulses.

[0054] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a laser system 200 that can be used to write micrometric voxels in or onto an object 212, employing computer-controlled 3D motion tables 202, which are controlled by a controller 216 or computer to move the object relative to the beam 204. It should be understood that this system configuration is only an example and that any configuration with operating parameters as described herein can be used. In one embodiment of the invention, several mirrors 206 are used to direct the laser beam 204 onto the final focusing lens 208. The laser power can be varied using a half-wave plate and a polarizer.By changing the angle of the half-wave plate with a rotary table connected to the control unit / computer 216, the laser power can be automatically adjusted to achieve the desired laser power at the system. Automated software connected to an image processing system 214 (e.g., CCD) can be used to position the focused laser beam on the top of the transparent object, which serves as a reference point for the subsequent internal modification. Marking / etching is performed by moving the object relative to the stationary incident laser beam. To switch the power of the laser 210 on and off, an internal or external mechanical shutter or a high-speed acousto-optic modulator connected to the computer / control unit 216 can be used.

[0055] Fig. Figure 3 shows a simplified scheme of a laser system 300 that could be used to write micrometric voxels in a gemstone, wherein a galvanometric mirror 302 moves the beam 304 relative to the object 306 (the “sample”). The system is the same as in Fig. 2, except that the laser beam 304 (and optionally the focusing lens 310) is moved relative to the object and not vice versa. Optionally, the laser 308 and the object 306 are moved together.

[0056] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a single voxel modified by the laser 402 in a gemstone 404, e.g., a diamond. In one embodiment of the invention, this laser modification volume can have a width of less than 1 micrometer and a vertical extent of less than 2 micrometers. It is understood that the volume can be larger or smaller.

[0057] Fig. Figure 5 shows a top view of a 3D pattern of laser-modified voxels written beneath the surface of a gemstone. In this case, a simple pattern of the digits "8675" is produced, with each digit consisting of laser-shaped voxels spaced 2.5 micrometers apart. The overall transverse size of each voxel is 1 micrometer × 1 micrometer. Each digit covers a total area of ​​10 micrometers × 5 micrometers, and the distance between the pixels is 5 micrometers. It is understood that these dimensions are only an example and can be larger or smaller. The laser-written label can be used as an identification tag when read with an optical reader, such as a microscope or a high-resolution camera. In one embodiment of the invention, the modification is not visible at 10x magnification.It goes without saying that other patterns besides voxels can be laser-etched to identify the object, such as graphics / logos, barcodes, QR codes, text, and the like. In some embodiments, the label consists of a number or is alphanumeric and / or contains symbols. Furthermore, the following are... Fig. The 5 dimensions given for the etching are only examples, and virtually any height, spacing, length, and width can be used. While the in Fig. Since the numerical sign shown in Figure 5 is largely two-dimensional, three-dimensional signs (in the x, y and z axes) could also be used.

[0058] Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic representation 600 of an exemplary optical reader 602 with special hardware and / or software for automatically locating and identifying the laser-engraved label. The gemstone is optionally placed in an object holder 606, which is configured to allow automatic z-axis movement to bring the buried laser-engraved label into focus for the magnifying lens 604 and the CCD camera. Optionally, the lens magnifies more than 10x. Optionally, the lens magnifies 20x or more. Optionally, the lens magnifies 40x or more. Optionally, the optical reader 602 is moved closer to or farther from the object to perform the reading (i.e., along the z-axis). Optionally, both the object and the reader move to bring the label into focus for reading.In some embodiments of the invention, the holder 606 is also equipped with movement along the x and y axes, which is optionally automated by controlling the holder 606 via a controller. The CCD image of the laser-engraved tag is linked to hardware and / or software for compatibility with blockchain technology. It should be noted that the 40x magnification is only an example and the magnification can be higher or lower. Furthermore, the reader can be any of the device types described herein, e.g., a mobile device, a smartphone, a microscope, or similar.

[0059] In one embodiment of the invention, the reading device is a smartphone that uses a physical magnification aid, such as the MicrobeScope™ product offered by 4D Optical, LLC. While this device is intended for examining biological samples, in embodiments of the invention it can also be used to read asset tags, as described herein. Another physical augmentation solution is the Micro Phone Lens, developed by Thomas Larson and offered by Micro Phone Lens on the Shopify platform. In one embodiment of the invention, the system is provided with light sources to assist reading, e.g., with different wavelengths of light, different intensities, at different locations relative to the asset, and / or which can be moved by the controller during reading to maximize tag readability.Optionally, light shielding is used to improve reading efficiency (e.g., to remove extraneous and / or unwanted light from the object). Additionally, alternatively, and / or optionally to the physical optical enhancements, software and / or artificial intelligence is used to improve the inherent optical capabilities of the mobile device / smartphone.

[0060] Fig. Figure 7 is a schematic representation of a system 700 for identifying, registering, tracking, and / or marketing goods according to an embodiment of the invention. As described elsewhere herein, an asset is marked with identifying information. In one embodiment of the invention, this marking is carried out by a marking unit 702 configured to modify the structure or even the surface of the asset using a laser. The marking unit comprises a laser using operating parameters as described herein or in related publications such as WO2017 / 006092, and its operation is controlled by a control unit. The marking unit optionally also employs hardware-based encryption / translation, which is connected to the corresponding decryption / translation hardware in a reader.Exemplary configurations of the tagging unit 703 are also described in relation to the . Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4 described herein. In some embodiments, software is used instead of or in addition to hardware-based encryption / translation. In some embodiments of the invention, software is used to program the various components of the system to interact via software (such as program code, web-based interfaces, mobile app and / or API).

[0061] In some embodiments, at least one component used for marking is not physically integrated into the marking unit; for example, the control unit and / or the encryption / translation processing could be located externally (but is still considered part of the "marking unit" for the purposes of this description). In some embodiments, instead of or in addition to hardware-based encryption / translation, software installed on an external device, such as a computer, is used for encryption / translation.

[0062] In some embodiments of the invention, the tagging unit is configured, for example, via a wired and / or wireless connection for operational communication with a global communication network, such as the Internet or the World Wide Web. Wireless communication includes, among other things, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and / or IR. The communication link is used, for example, to register the tagged identification and / or additional information relevant to the asset in a database, a server, and / or a distributed ledger system (DJS), such as a blockchain. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the database, server, and / or DJS is located locally. Additionally, alternatively, and / or optionally, the database, server, and / or DJS is located remotely and / or in a cloud-type network.

[0063] The reader 706 is configured with hardware and / or software for decoding / translating registered identification and / or associated information retrieved from the distributed ledger about an asset read / scanned by the reader. In one embodiment, the reader's hardware and / or software is operationally synchronized with the identification / information output of the tagging unit registered in the distributed ledger, such that the reader's hardware and / or software is required to successfully and / or meaningfully retrieve the asset's identification / information from the distributed ledger. In some embodiments of the invention, the reader is optically based and includes, for example, a microscope, a mobile device (such as a smartphone camera or even an optical reader attached to a smartphone or tablet), and / or a zoom camera.The reading device can be a dedicated, purpose-built device or a multi-purpose device (e.g., a tablet, smartphone, or mobile communication device) programmed with software that configures the multi-purpose device with operational parameters, such as scan depth, magnification, optical character recognition, and / or barcode / QR code reading, to read the marking etched into the object. In some embodiments of the invention, the reading device is dimensioned and / or shaped to be handheld. As with the marking unit, in some embodiments certain components and / or functions are implemented outside the reading device but are nevertheless considered part of the "reading device" for the purposes of this description.

[0064] In some embodiments, instead of a reading device, the identifier is retrieved optically and / or manually and entered into a user interface, e.g., on a website and / or via a web-based browser / web-based interface, to verify the identification of the asset and / or retrieve related asset information.

[0065] Fig. Figure 8 is a flowchart of a procedure for using the system to identify, register, track and / or market assets, as described in Fig. 7. As described elsewhere herein, an asset is marked with an identifier and / or other information by a marking unit (802), wherein the identifier / information is optionally etched into the structure of the asset by a laser. In some embodiments of the invention, the marking process also includes the encryption and / or encoding and / or translation of the identifier and / or information, such that special decryption and / or decoding and / or translation of the identifier and / or information is required to obtain useful data from the retrieved identifier and / or information. Optionally, the encryption / decryption is achieved by means of hardware or software or a combination thereof.Optionally, encryption occurs during communication between the newly etched tag for registration (804) and a distributed ledger, where the ledger uses a technology such as blockchain. Optionally, a component of the encryption / decryption and / or identification and / or relevant information includes identifiers / codes / internal tracking numbers that can be assigned to various entities relevant to the asset (e.g., mining company, certification laboratory (such as GlA®, IGI®), verification laboratory (such as Gübelin®), identification assignment / registration / verification / reading / tracking company (such as Scarselli Diamonds)).

[0066] In some embodiments of the invention, the identification (806) can be performed by etching in a human-readable (using optical magnification devices) and / or machine-readable form, e.g., by a number, a barcode, a QR code, and / or the like. Information associated with the asset, such as origin, current and / or former physical location, current and / or former owner (including anonymous owners identified by a code or similar device), past and / or recent transactions, classification, or certification details, could also be combined with the identifier for registration in the ledger or registered separately but linked. In some embodiments, the identification and / or information is provided by a third party, e.g., a certification laboratory and / or an authentication laboratory.The asset identification is intended to be immutable; however, the information about the asset may change over time. Therefore, changes to the asset information can optionally be made by updating the general ledger entry for the asset, using special software and / or hardware in some implementations.

[0067] In some embodiments of the invention, an aspect of commercialization associated with the systems and methods described so far includes the incorporation of a trademark and / or a specific identifier of the asset into the identification and / or the associated asset information recorded in the distributed ledger. For example, the trademark (in the form of a numerical code, text, graphic, logo, pattern, etc.) of a particular company could be etched into the asset and optionally form part of the identification and / or optionally part of the asset-related information.

[0068] As described elsewhere, a reader is used to scan the identifier etched into the physical asset to obtain verification of the identifier and / or related asset information from the ledger. In some embodiments, the reader is connected to the marking unit by hardware and / or software, such that decryption of the asset's identification / information can only be achieved by a suitably connected (808) reader. In some embodiments, the reader is a stationary system, such as that found in a gemological laboratory. In some embodiments, the reader is portable, e.g., a specially programmed handheld reader or a mobile device (tablet, phone, etc.).

[0069] The reader is designed to automatically contact the distributed ledger, for example, via a wired or wireless communication link, to retrieve the asset's identification and / or related information (including optional decryption / translation of the retrieved data). However, in some cases, the identification is read by the reader, and a user then retrieves the identification verification and / or related information (including optional decryption / translation of the retrieved data) by entering the scanned / read identification into a user interface / system that is in operational communication with the distributed ledger.

[0070] The ability to reliably track the identification and / or information relating to a specific physical asset, such as a diamond, strengthens the confidence of businesses and the public in the value and traceability of that specific asset. Such an improvement enables the use (810) of the asset for commercial transactions such as sale, use as security, monetization, investment, insurance, financing, logistics (e.g., chain of custody), and / or trading, and / or in assisting law enforcement (e.g., protection against counterfeiting, trademark enforcement, prevention and recovery of asset theft), with each business (e.g.,a bank, a market, a broker, a laboratory, an investment house, an individual, a manufacturer, a mining company) within these industries is a potential user of the systems and procedures described herein for verifying the identification and / or information relating to a particular asset.

[0071] It should also be clear that the retrieval of identification / information about a particular asset may be restricted / limited depending on the entity requesting the information. For example, some or all of these transactions are optionally conducted anonymously (i.e., ownership information is anonymized, omitted from the ledger information, or filtered out during retrieval). Furthermore, different entities associated with the asset may have different reference numbers or different information for the same asset, and therefore, in one embodiment of the invention, some or all identification / information about a particular asset is provided or not provided depending on the entity requesting the information.

[0072] In some embodiments of the invention, the use of a distributed ledger (e.g., blockchain) offers the additional advantage of enabling the tokenization of tagged assets to indicate and / or track at least aspects of ownership. That is, rights to tokenized assets can be stored and managed on a blockchain network. Using this method, tangible assets, such as diamonds and other assets described above, can be divided into small units and / or fractional ownership, increasing their liquidity and allowing more market participants to participate in the ownership and / or marketing of the asset. By tokenizing assets, where each physical asset corresponds to a single token, e.g.,One diamond equals one token; tokenized assets can be traded like a cryptocurrency, with their value exchange managed using smart contracts written on the blockchain. Since each token represents a unique asset, the value of each token will be different. The value of each token, when converted into fiat currency or cryptocurrency, fluctuates based on changes in the asset's value, independent of fluctuations in fiat currencies or cryptocurrencies.

[0073] In some embodiments of the invention, an image of the asset or asset tag is used as confirmatory verification and / or instead of tag verification using the distributed ledger. For example, the reader is used to capture an identifying image of the asset or asset tag (e.g., actual image vs. code reading), in addition to or as an alternative to reading a tag on and / or in the asset. Optionally, the image is high-resolution and / or magnified sufficiently to identify the object and / or tag. In one embodiment of the invention, the captured image is compared in a database, optionally remotely, with a verification image of the asset and / or asset tag. In some embodiments, AI is used to assist in processing and / or comparing the captured image.In some embodiments of the invention, the image identification information (used for the verifying comparison) is linked to the distributed ledger, e.g., on the blockchain, which also contains the asset's identifier information, as described elsewhere herein.

[0074] In one embodiment of the invention, the result of the verification / validation of the asset, whether by a label or an image or both, is reported back to the reading device.

[0075] Fig.Figure 9 is a flowchart of a method for tokenizing and using assets in one embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment of the invention, assets that are tagged (902), for example, using the methods described herein, or otherwise identified, and then registered (904) in the distributed ledger / blockchain, are assigned a fungible or non-fungible token (“NFT”) (906). In one embodiment of the invention, the NFT can represent any percentage of ownership, from full 100% ownership of the asset down to a small fraction of the whole. The use of NFTs with respect to tagged assets enables initial purchase, secondary market trading, secured borrowing and lending, and insurance markets for the asset, to name just a few marketing scenarios.NFTs are already being used in combination with the Ethereum blockchain platform for blockchain games such as CryptoKitties. In some embodiments of the invention, a fungible token is used instead of a non-fungible token, particularly in cases where the asset is one of any number of similar or identical assets.

[0076] An NFT is a unique data entry in a blockchain, distinguishable from all other data entries. An NFT cannot be exchanged for other data in the same way that, for example, one Bitcoin can be exchanged for another Bitcoin (since Bitcoins are inherently fungible). Each NFT is unique and is identified by a public / private key pair. In an example scenario, the public key consists of a 40-character string (e.g., 0x988Ebd2Dc796711F63E91 c36cCB7D05E67704b4d) and is mathematically linked to a private key, which is another 40-character string.

[0077] In one embodiment of the invention, public keys are expressed / marked as QR codes or barcodes on the asset. Anyone wishing to prove they possess the public key can sign a message with their private key. The private key is not disclosed during the signing process but proves that the signer does indeed possess the private key and can transfer the public key (representing ownership of the diamond) if they so choose.

[0078] Once the diamond has been marked and the NFT issued, any retail customer (or anyone else in the supply / distribution / trading chain) with a camera and an internet connection can read the recorded public key (908) and verify what data has been published on the blockchain (e.g., the characteristics of the diamond, its origin, and who originally certified those characteristics). If the description on the blockchain matches the physical characteristics of the diamond in question, and the seller is able to sign a message proving (910) that they control the public key, then the buyer can know with certainty (at least partially, based on the information returned to the reader) that the person possessing the diamond is the rightful owner, and a transaction (912) can be conducted with confidence regarding the asset.This chain-of-trade method allows anyone to view a history of transfer data, sales prices, origin, and so on. It should be clear that the example above uses diamonds, but any uniquely identifiable asset (e.g., rare books, cars, antiques, coins, stamps, digital / virtual goods such as games, other collectibles) could be used with such a system. Alternatively, or in addition to reading labels as described here, image recognition can also be used.

[0079] This method enables all possible commercialization scenarios, such as marking a diamond with a public key and handing over the private key to the diamond's owner as a certificate of ownership. This allows for the commercialization of unique goods, which is almost a contradiction in terms. The certificate of ownership enables primary purchases, trading on the secondary market, secured loans, and the diamond insurance market. In one embodiment of the invention, an NFT is created so that additional data associated with the asset (in this case, a diamond), such as cut, clarity, color, origin, etc., can be written to the blockchain. In some embodiments, assets can be grouped for commercial activities and / or tokenized as a group.In one embodiment of the invention, this additional data should be accurate and originate from a trusted source, such as Scarselli Diamonds. Embodiments for weighing and / or establishing "trust" are described in more detail below.

[0080] In some embodiments of the invention, a user-accessible portal is created for conducting transactions with tagged, registered, and / or tokenized assets. Users may include, for example, laboratories, banks, insurance companies, government agencies, retailers, and end users. In one embodiment of the invention, the portal provides and / or receives information relating to the tag and / or the assets and enables the verification / validation of this information.

[0081] In one embodiment of the invention, the reputation of an asset tagger (the person or entity that initially tags an asset and / or registers it on the blockchain) is tracked on the blockchain. Taggers exhibiting dishonesty, inaccuracy, or other abnormal behavior can be scored (914) and / or recorded on the blockchain. It is envisaged that a mechanism can be implemented to financially penalize dishonest taggers by requiring all taggers to post a deposit, which would be at least partially forfeited in the event of an insufficient reputation score. To determine the "correct" dollar amount and the circumstances under which a tagger's deposit is forfeited, a model known as a Token Curated Registry (TCR) can be used in one embodiment of the invention.A TCR is a decentralized, curated directory with economic incentives for token holders to curate the directory's content thoughtfully. In one embodiment of the invention, the "list" consists of "trusted taggers".

[0082] The recurring, alternative, additional and / or optional software platforms for the technologies described herein and their use include: A. Digital preview image of diamonds - A non-erasable, immutable, embedded identifier is uploaded to the blockchain, and diamond tag readers automatically retrieve the digital preview image registered in the blockchain. - Other attributes: Gemological certificate, image, provenance, last insured value, reference value, title of ownership, geographical location, etc. - Mark stolen diamonds - Mark diamonds that are not certified conflict-free. - Mark a diamond that comes from a mine that uses child labor. B. API for diamond service providers. Authorization-based access for providers listed here and below as examples who can offer services and offers. - Insurance companies - Transport companies - Manufacturer of lockers - Safe services C. B2C Portal Permission-based access for sellers to list diamonds for sale. In some non-B2B embodiments of the invention, it is a business-to-consumer (B2C) portal. This allows Scarselli Diamonds or an affiliated company to broker diamond sales to consumers. D. API for Diamond Information Services: Authorization-based access for diamond verification, including verification for altered or stolen pieces. - Insurance companies that check the possibility of using the same diamond multiple times as collateral for different loans. - Jewelers for buy-ins - Law enforcement agencies E. Platform for Diamond Loans The development of a general lending or peer-to-peer lending platform in the diamond industry to offset the dwindling interest of traditional banks due to the current lack of transparency in the diamond sector. F. CVD digital thumbnail Blockchain registration of synthetic diamonds or CVDs (Carbon Vaporized Diamonds)

[0083] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and / or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as they are commonly understood by a person skilled in the art in the field to which the invention relates. Although similar or equivalent methods and materials to those described herein may be used in carrying out or testing embodiments of the invention, the following are exemplary methods and / or materials. In case of any discrepancies, the patent specification, including its definitions, shall prevail. Furthermore, the materials, methods, and examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily intended to be limiting.

[0084] In carrying out the method and / or system of the embodiments according to the invention, selected tasks can be performed or completed manually, automatically, or in a combination thereof. Furthermore, depending on the actual instrumentation and equipment of embodiments of the method and / or system according to the invention, several selected tasks can be implemented by hardware, software, or firmware, or by a combination thereof, using an operating system.

[0085] For example, the hardware for performing selected tasks according to embodiments of the invention could be implemented as a chip or circuit. As software, selected tasks according to embodiments of the invention could be implemented as a plurality of software instructions executed by a computer with a suitable operating system. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, one or more tasks according to exemplary embodiments of the method and / or system described herein are performed by a data processor, for example, a computer platform for executing a plurality of instructions. Optionally, the data processor includes volatile memory for storing instructions and / or data and / or non-volatile memory, e.g., a magnetic hard disk and / or a removable medium, for storing instructions and / or data. A network connection is also optionally provided.Optionally, a display and / or a user input device, such as a keyboard or mouse, are also provided.

[0086] The terms “encompasses”, “containing”, “includes”, “including”, “with” and their conjugations mean “including, but not limited to”.

[0087] The term “consisting of” means “including and limited to”.

[0088] The expression “essentially consisting of” means that the composition, process or structure may contain additional components, steps and / or parts, but only if the additional components, steps and / or parts do not substantially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, process or structure.

[0089] As used herein, the singular forms "ein", "ein", and "die" include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, the term "eine Verbindung" or "at least one Verbindung" can encompass a multitude of connections, including mixtures thereof.

[0090] In this application, various embodiments of the invention may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the range format is intended solely for convenience and brevity and should not be interpreted as a rigid limitation of the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it should be assumed that when describing a range, all possible subranges and the individual numerical values ​​within that range are expressly disclosed. For example, when describing a range such as 1 to 6, it should be assumed that subranges such as 1 to 3, 1 to 4, 1 to 5, 2 to 4, 2 to 6, 3 to 6, etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, are expressly disclosed. This applies regardless of the width of the range.

[0091] When a range of numbers is specified in this document, it refers to every specified number (fraction or integer) within that range. The expressions "range between" a first specified number and a second specified number and "range from" a first specified number "to" a second specified number are used interchangeably here and include the first and second specified numbers as well as all fractions and integers in between.

[0092] It is understood that certain features of the invention, which are described in connection with individual embodiments for the sake of clarity, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are described in connection with a single embodiment for the sake of brevity, may also be provided separately, in any suitable subcombination, or in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in connection with different embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments unless the embodiment is not functional without these elements.

[0093] Various embodiments and aspects of the present invention, as described above and claimed in the claims below, are supported experimentally in the following examples. EXAMPLES

[0094] Reference is now made to the following examples, which, together with the descriptions above, illustrate some embodiments of the invention in a non-limiting manner. For example, the laser writing wavelength in these examples is 515 nm, but it could be more or less in embodiments of the invention. Example 1:

[0095] Laser writing wavelength 515 nm, Repetition rate 500 kHz, Focusing lens 1.25 NA (100×) CVD diamond of optical quality Writing dots instead of continuous lines Number of pulses per point: 10000 to a single pulse Impulse energies: 100 - 300 nJ Depth: ~ 200 mm

[0096] Results / Conclusions: - Weak spots were generated at a depth of 200 mm using a single pulse of 216 nJ pulse energy. - Attempt with slightly lower energy in the following experiment to produce barely visible (invisible) markings at 40× (10×). Example 2:

[0097] Laser writing wavelength 515 nm, Repetition rate 500 kHz, Focusing lens 1.25 NA (100×) CVD diamond of optical quality Single pulse Pulse energy: 20 - 200 nJ Depth: 60 mm

[0098] Results / Conclusions: Pulse energies from 94 nJ to 140 nJ are visible at 40x magnification, but invisible at 10x. - Minimum distance of 2 mm between the points Smaller gaps lead to overlaps and therefore to dark spots. - Static exposure in diamond using a single laser pulse with suitable pulse energy (94 nJ to 140 nJ) was successful in producing weak modifications that were completely invisible through a 10x objective, but faintly visible under a 40x objective. Example 3:

[0099] Laser writing wavelength 515 nm, Repetition rate 500 kHz, Focusing lens 1.25 NA (100x) CVD diamond (7.5mm × 7.5mm) Number of pulses: Single pulse Impulse energy: 120 nJ Depth: ~ 50 mm

[0100] Results / Conclusions: - With the exception of a few points that appear as tiny dark spots, the remaining points are extremely faint even at 40x magnification. - The dots are not visible at 10x magnification. - Further improvement of digit recognition at 40x magnification can be achieved by adding more points to the frame of a digit.

[0101] Although the invention has been described in connection with certain embodiments, it is obvious that many alternatives, modifications, and variations are apparent to those skilled in the field. Accordingly, it is intended to include all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

[0102] All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this description, including the section "Background of the Invention," are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application were expressly and individually identified as being incorporated by reference. Furthermore, the mention or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art for the present invention. Where section headings are used, they shall not be construed as necessarily limiting. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 5,656,186

[0003] US 6,977,137

[0003] US 9849364

[0005] CA 2942229

[0005] WO 2016 / 205336

[0005] US 2016 / 0085955

[0005] WO 2017 / 006092 [0033, 0060] Cited non-patent literature

[0000] “Writing waveguides in glass with a femtosecond laser” by Davis et al, Opt. Lett. 21, 1729-1731 (1996

[0003] Eaton et al. “Diamond photonics platform enabled by femtosecond laser writing” Scientific Reports volume 6, Article number: 35566 (2016

[0004]

Claims

[1] Device (700) with a reading device for tokenization and use of assets, configured for: a) the registration of at least one asset in a distributed ledger; b) the allocation of a fungible or non-fungible token with a public key to the at least one asset; c) reading information about the at least one asset using the reading device; d) verification of ownership of the at least one asset using a private key that matches the public key; and, e) carrying out a transaction involving at least one asset. [2] Device according to claim 1, further comprising a laser device for marking the at least one item prior to registration. [3] The device according to claim 2 is further configured to evaluate a person or entity responsible for the identification of the at least one asset on the basis of trustworthiness, accuracy and / or honesty. [4] Device according to claim 1, wherein the non-forgery token contains information relating to at least one of the properties, ownership, origin, location and previous transactions of the at least one asset. [5] Device according to claim 4, wherein the ownership information includes fractional ownership of the at least one asset. [6] Device according to claim 1, wherein a transaction comprises primary purchases of the at least one asset, secondary market trading in the at least one asset, secured lending, insurance, law enforcement, verification of the at least one asset and certification of the at least one asset. [7] Device according to claim 2, wherein the laser is operated at such a wavelength that the photon energy is lower than the band gap energy of the material in order to ensure nonlinear absorption. [8] Device for identifying, registering and tracking an object, configured for: Marking the asset with at least one identifier and related asset information using a labeling unit; and reading at least one of the identification and the related asset information using a reading device, wherein at least one of the identification and related asset information is registered in a distributed ledger, being uploaded by the identification unit via a communication link and retrieved by the reading device via a communication link, and wherein at least one of the identification and related asset information is encrypted when uploaded to the distributed ledger and decrypted when retrieved from the distributed ledger. [9] Device according to claim 8, further comprising that at least one of the following information is included in at least one of the identification and associated asset information: brand, origin, current physical location, previous physical location, current owner(s), previous owner(s), previous transaction(s) relating to the asset, classification details, certification details, a numerical code, text, a graphic, a logo, a pattern, for example in association with a particular company. [10] Device according to claim 8, wherein the reading of the identification and / or asset-related information is subjected to a filter, whereby selectively only a part of the identification and / or asset-related information is returned. [11] Device according to claim 8, wherein the reading is carried out during the execution of a transaction including primary and secondary sales, use as security, monetization, investment, insurance, financing, logistics, custody chain, verification, validation, certification, classification, law enforcement, trademark enforcement, prevention of asset theft, protection against counterfeiting, asset recovery, commodification and trading. [12] Device according to claim 8, wherein the laser is operated at such a wavelength that the photon energy is lower than the band gap energy of the material in order to ensure nonlinear absorption.

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