Authentication Device with Enabling Target and Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marker plus reader-based authentication systems are vulnerable to counterfeiting since the authenticator can be exploited to create replicas if it falls into unauthorized possession, and there is a need for a mechanism to activate the authenticator without revealing the necessity of an enabling device.
Innovation Solution
An enabling target is used, which contains secret markers detected by the authenticator through optical measurements, ensuring the authenticator operates only when the measured attributes match predetermined values, and calibration factors are applied to maintain authentication accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an enabling device is introduced to activate the authenticator, then security against unauthorized use is improved, but the device complexity increases and the necessity of the enabling device becomes apparent
Solution Approach 1:
The enabling device is merged with the authenticator into a single integrated system. The enabling device includes an illuminator and detector that work in conjunction with the authenticator's marker detection components, eliminating the need for separate enabling and authentication devices while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The authenticator is designed to perform multiple functions: it can detect markers in enabling devices to determine activation status, and it can authenticate items by detecting their markers. This multi-functionality reduces system complexity while maintaining the security benefits of requiring an enabling device.
2Ease of operation
If tolerance bands are widened to accommodate measurement variability, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration by detecting markers in an enabling device before conducting authentication. This preliminary action establishes reference values and tolerance bands specific to each authenticator-enabling device pair, allowing narrow tolerance bands during authentication while ensuring ease of operation through pre-established parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts measurement parameters and tolerance bands based on calibration data obtained from the enabling device. By changing the reference parameters through calibration, the system achieves high measurement precision during authentication while maintaining ease of operation through adaptive parameter adjustment.
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
This solution prevents unauthorized use of the authenticator, maintains high selectivity in distinguishing authentic from counterfeit items, and allows for tighter tolerance bands by compensating for measurement variability through calibration, thus enhancing security and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
measuring one or more attributes of the enabling target with the authenticating device
Implementation Method 2
the operator notes the discrepancy as a change in system performance and alters the detection algorithm by introducing a calibration factor derived from the difference of measured and expected response values
Data Source
AI summary
A method of enabling an authenticating device (10) includes providing an enabling target (17); measuring one or more attributes of the enabling target with the authenticating device; comparing at least one measured attribute with a predetermined expected value; enabling the authenticating device when the at least one measured attribute matches the predetermined expected value; and operating the authenticating device.