Artifact Provenance Authentication via Embedded Unique Identifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Collectors of historical artifacts face challenges in authenticating the genuineness and provenance of memorabilia, as most artifacts lack inherent identifiers linking them to historical events, relying on signatures or expert judgment.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that attaches a unique identifier to artifacts, allowing correlation with historical events, storing information about their presence or use, and enabling authentication through visible or non-visible identifiers like RFID, barcodes, or QR codes, with additional security measures and energy harvesting capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a unique identifier system is implemented to authenticate artifacts, then authentication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds unique identifiers within the artifact structure itself, nesting the identification system inside the object being authenticated. This approach improves authentication reliability by making the identifier intrinsic to the artifact rather than external, while managing complexity through integration rather than addition of separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a database or registry system that acts as an intermediary between the unique identifier and the authentication process. This mediator stores and verifies identifier-artifact associations, improving reliability through centralized verification while managing system complexity by separating the identification function from the verification function.
2Ease of operation
If visible identifiers like barcodes or QR codes are used, then ease of operation is improved, but security against tampering worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different identifier types to different parts or contexts of artifact authentication. Visible identifiers like barcodes and QR codes are used for ease of operation in controlled environments, while more secure embedded identifiers are used where tampering risk is higher. This local differentiation optimizes both usability and security based on specific authentication contexts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite authentication systems that combine multiple identifier types (visible and embedded, different technologies) within a single authentication framework. This composite approach allows the system to leverage the ease of operation of visible identifiers while compensating for their security weaknesses through additional embedded security features and verification protocols.
3Reliability
If multiple security measures are implemented to prevent tampering, then authentication security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements security measures in advance during artifact creation and registration. Unique identifiers are embedded and registered in the database before the artifact enters circulation, preventing tampering rather than detecting it later. This preliminary action improves security while managing complexity by establishing security protocols upfront rather than adding layers during authentication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates verification feedback mechanisms where the system checks identifier integrity and authenticity against stored records. This feedback loop provides real-time verification of security measures, improving confidence in authentication security while managing complexity through automated verification rather than manual security checks.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention for the track, categorize, or authenticate the provenance of historical artifacts. The invention couples an artifact to at least one unique identifier. Unique identifiers may be attached to or be contained within an artifact. Unique identifiers are coupled to a data storage archive where historical information relating to the artifact are stored. In certain embodiments the data storage archive is a database or relational database. Artifacts incorporated into the invention, may be objects used in sports, be objects used in politics, or may be personal objects. The invention tracks the use of artifacts and records historical information corresponding to the artifact in the data storage archive. Historical information recorded may include the time, or place where an artifact was used. The invention, in certain embodiments also tracks the use of the movement of an artifact, tracks who interacted with the artifact, and provides a mechanism for collectors to review historical information corresponding to one or more particular artifacts.