Barcode Substrate Authentication via Intrinsic Physical Characteristics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Barcodes can be easily reproduced, such as by photocopying, which undermines their security and authenticity, as existing methods do not effectively prevent reproduction by linking the barcode to the substrate it is printed on.
Innovation Solution
A method that generates substrate authentication information linked to intrinsic physical characteristics of the substrate, allowing the barcode to be read only if the substrate is authenticated positively, and restricting access to data associated with the barcode if the substrate is not authenticated, including options to alter the barcode or store data linked to negative authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a barcode is printed on a substrate, then the barcode can be easily reproduced by photocopying, but the security and authenticity of the barcode are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication system between the barcode and the reader. This system includes authentication means on the substrate that generates authentication information, which is then verified by the reading system before allowing barcode reading. This intermediary layer prevents unauthorized reproduction while maintaining legitimate barcode functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary authentication of the substrate before the barcode is read. The authentication means generates authentication information in advance, and the reading system verifies this information prior to processing the barcode. This preliminary action blocks counterfeit barcodes before they can be read or misused.
2Reliability
If substrate authentication is implemented, then barcode security is enhanced, but the reading system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the authentication function with the existing barcode reading system. The authentication means is integrated into the substrate along with the barcode, and the reading system combines barcode reading capabilities with authentication verification in a single unified device, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The reading system is designed with multi-functionality, serving both to read barcodes and to verify substrate authentication. This universal approach allows a single device to perform multiple functions without requiring separate dedicated authentication equipment, thereby limiting complexity increase.
3Reliability
If access to barcode data is restricted based on authentication, then unauthorized access is prevented, but data accessibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic data access control based on authentication results. The reading system automatically adjusts data accessibility in real-time: authenticated substrates gain full access to barcode data and associated information, while unauthenticated substrates receive restricted or no access. This dynamic response maintains security while ensuring ease of operation for legitimate users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the authentication result directly influences subsequent data access. The reading system receives feedback from the authentication verification process and automatically adjusts whether to grant or deny access to barcode data and associated information, creating a self-regulating security mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of reading at least one bar code (20) carried by a substrate (21), the method comprising the following steps: a) generating, especially in an automatic manner, when presenting the bar code to a system for reading the bar code, at least one authentication cue related to an intrinsic physical characteristic of the substrate and independent of the data contained in the bar code, and b) allowing the reading of the bar code (20), only in the event of a positive authentication of the substrate or reading the bar code regardless of the result of the authentication of the substrate and in the event of negative authentication of the substrate, preventing access to just one part of the data contained in the bar code and/or to any data that may be associated with the bar code, and which is stored on a separate data medium from the substrate.