Composite Security Marking with PUF and Encrypted Signature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current anti-counterfeit and tracing systems for physical objects lack a robust and efficient method to protect against counterfeiting and tampering, particularly in industries where product authenticity and supply chain integrity are critical, such as in pharmaceuticals and automotive parts.
Innovation Solution
A composite security marking that combines a physical unclonable function (PUF) with an encrypted digital signature, where the digital signature is encrypted and accessible only after decryption, providing multiple layers of security to authenticate the physical object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional security features (holograms, optically variable inks, security threads) are used, then counterfeiting protection is provided, but the system lacks robustness against advanced counterfeiting and tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple security mechanisms into a composite security marking: physical unclonable functions (PUFs), encrypted digital signatures, and challenge-response authentication schemes. This merging creates a multi-layered security system that is more robust than traditional single-feature approaches, as counterfeiters would need to compromise multiple independent security mechanisms simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The security marking uses composite material principles by integrating different types of security features into a single marking structure. The composite marking includes PUFs (physical random structures), encrypted digital signatures, and optical security features, creating a multi-component security system that leverages the strengths of each component while mitigating individual weaknesses.
2Reliability
If covert security features (luminescent ink, infrared printing, magnetic particles) are used, then anti-counterfeit protection is enhanced, but detection requires sophisticated equipment and complex procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The security marking is designed to be detectable by multiple types of devices and methods. The composite marking includes features that can be read by optical scanners, spectral analyzers, magnetic detectors, and PUF evaluation systems. This multi-functionality allows the same marking to be detected using various equipment depending on the application, reducing the need for always having sophisticated equipment on hand.
Solution Approach 2:
The security marking is segmented into different detectable components: PUFs for physical authentication, encrypted digital signatures for cryptographic verification, and optical security features for visual or spectral detection. This segmentation allows the detection system to focus on specific features based on available equipment and security requirements, simplifying the detection process while maintaining robust protection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If physical unclonable functions (PUFs) are used, then passive identification and unclonability are achieved, but the system requires integration with cryptographic systems and encrypted digital signatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces encrypted digital signatures as an intermediary layer between the physical PUF and the final authentication decision. The digital signature encrypts and protects the PUF response, allowing the system to leverage both the physical unclonability of PUFs and the cryptographic security of encrypted signatures. This intermediary simplifies the integration by providing a clear separation of concerns: PUFs handle physical authentication, while encrypted signatures handle secure data transmission and verification.
4Reliability
If multiple security layers (PUF, encrypted digital signature, challenge-response scheme) are combined, then security robustness is significantly improved, but the manufacturing and implementation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-generating and embedding PUFs during the manufacturing process, and pre-encrypting digital signatures before the marking is applied to the product. The challenge-response authentication scheme is pre-configured with the encrypted signature. This preliminary preparation simplifies the final implementation, as the complex security mechanisms are already in place and ready for use, reducing the complexity of manufacturing and implementation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of anti-counterfeit protection of products. Specifically, the invention is directed to a composite security marking comprising a physical unclonable function, PUF, to a physical object comprising such composite security marking and a method of providing same, and corresponding methods and reader devices for reading the marking. In particular, without limitation, such reader device can be used in connection with or can form a component of a multicomponent security system, in particular of an anti-counterfeit protection system, which is also disclosed herein as part of an overall security solution for anti-counterfeit protection. In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a method of reading a marking, comprising a stimulation step, wherein a physical challenge according to a predetermined challenge-response authentication scheme corresponding to the PUF is created and applied to a PUF; a detection step, wherein a response generated by the PUF in accordance with the challenge-response authentication scheme in reaction to the challenge is detected and a digital signal representing the response is generated; a processing step, wherein the digital signal is processed in order to generate a hash value of the response by application of a predetermined cryptographic hash function to the digital signal; and an output step, wherein data representing the generated hash value as a first reading result is output.