Aerosol Article Authentication Using 3D Stochastic Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing authentication methods for aerosol-generating articles, such as heat-not-burn devices, are prone to counterfeiting due to low information density in indicia, ease of replication, and complexity in manufacturing processes, particularly when using printed or sprayed layers and spectroscopic signatures.
Innovation Solution
An authentication method that utilizes the stochastic arrangement of aerosol-generating article constituents, employing image processing and correlation of 2D/3D images to verify the authenticity of the article without additional indicia, using inherent geometrical properties for secure recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If printed indicia with low information density are used for authentication, then the authentication system is simple to implement, but the security against counterfeiting is weak
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional 1D/2D printed barcodes to 3D stochastic arrangements of substrate constituents. By utilizing the third dimension (depth/vertical arrangement) and the random spatial distribution of particles within the aerosol-generating article, the system achieves high information density without requiring additional printed layers or complex indicia application processes.
2Loss of information
If additional printed or sprayed layers are applied to create authentication indicia, then authentication information can be encoded, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the inherent stochastic arrangement of substrate constituents (tobacco particles, glycerol, propylene glycol) that naturally occur during the aerosol-generating article manufacturing process. No additional indicia application step is required - the authentication information is automatically embedded through the random spatial distribution of these materials, which are already necessary for the article's function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the authentication function with the structural materials of the aerosol-generating article. The same tobacco particles, glycerol, and propylene glycol that form the functional substrate also create the stochastic pattern used for authentication, eliminating the need for separate indicia layers or additional materials.
3Measurement precision
If spectroscopic signatures with high precision are used for authentication, then authentication accuracy is improved, but the measurement and calibration become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a unique 3D stochastic pattern copy of the substrate arrangement that serves as an authentication signature. Instead of relying on spectroscopic measurements, the system captures the spatial distribution pattern of substrate constituents and uses this pattern as the authentication key, which can be verified through image correlation without complex calibration.
4Reliability
If high information density indicia are implemented, then authentication security is improved, but the indicia size becomes unacceptably large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves high information density in a compact form by utilizing the third dimension - the vertical and depth arrangement of substrate particles within the article structure. This allows extensive authentication information to be encoded in a small volume without requiring large surface areas, as the information is distributed throughout the 3D space of the substrate rather than spread out on a 2D surface.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for authenticating an aerosol-generating article includes the steps of imaging and processing at least one consumable section of the aerosol-generating article, correlating a current digitalized image with a reference image registered during production of the article, and determining, based on correlation results and a predetermined correlation criterium, if the article is a genuine product. An aerosol-generating system includes an aerosol-generating device having a 2D and/or 3D imager that includes image processing and image correlation means for imaging and analysing the stochastic arrangement of the individual substrate parts of the aerosol-generating article. A machine for producing aerosol-generating articles includes an in-line imaging system.