Acoustical PUF via Composite Particle Scattering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies for measuring acoustical Physically Unclonable Functions (PUFs) lack the complexity and uniqueness required to effectively authenticate valuable assets, as they are easily replicable and lack multi-characteristic sensing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A combination of a binder and particles with varying acoustical impedances forms a unique acoustic object, measured by a surface acoustical transceiver array, utilizing a randomization process that creates a highly unique and difficult-to-clone device, incorporating acoustic, capacitive, and magnetic properties for enhanced authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple binder structure is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but uniqueness and security are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a binder with multiple types of particles having different acoustic impedances, densities, and shapes. This creates a heterogeneous PUF object that is easy to manufacture through random mixing but produces unique acoustic scattering patterns that are extremely difficult to replicate, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and uniqueness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by incorporating particles with varying acoustic properties (different impedances, densities, and shapes) distributed throughout the binder matrix. Each local region has unique acoustic characteristics, and the overall distribution pattern creates a fingerprint that is easy to manufacture but extremely difficult to reproduce intentionally.
2Reliability
If particles with varying acoustic impedances are used, then uniqueness is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying multiple parameters of the particles simultaneously - acoustic impedance, density, shape, and size - while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure. The acoustic transceiver array measures these variations, and the combination of parameter variations creates unique scattering patterns that provide high uniqueness without requiring complex device architecture.
3Measurement precision
If a surface acoustical transceiver array is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the acoustic measurement function into multiple transceivers arranged in an array across the surface. Each transceiver contributes to measuring the acoustic scattering pattern from different locations, and the combined data from all transceivers provides high-precision measurement of the PUF object's unique acoustic fingerprint, justifying the increased device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a highly unique and difficult-to-clone acoustical PUF that effectively authenticates valuable assets by leveraging the random nature of acoustic wave scattering and multi-characteristic sensing, making it extremely challenging to replicate.
Implementation Method 1
The random nature of the acoustic wave scattering through the PUF object creates a uniqueness that will be extremely difficult to replicate
Implementation Method 2
The transducer measures the response of an acoustic wave passing from sources to receivers
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a diverse acoustical object containing a range of particles that have acoustical wave impedances that are substantially different from the binder. The particles create a substantially different reflection as an acoustic wave is scattered by the particles. A negative reflection is created when the scattered wave is from a particle that has a wave impedance that is substantially less than the binder impedance. Practically, it may be necessary to encase this material in a thin material that will withstand the fabrication process (e.g., air or silicone elastomer could be encased in glass). If the wavelength is large compared to the encasing material thickness, then the reflection will be more dependent on the interior material. A mixture of materials that generate positive as well as negative reflections within the binder would add to the complexity of the PUF.