Computational Optical PUF Using Incoherent Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical physically unclonable functions (PUFs) are expensive, bulky, and require coherent illumination, making them unsuitable for applications where electronic PUFs cannot be used or custom embedded electronics are not available, and they are sensitive to laser alignment.
Innovation Solution
A computational optical physically unclonable function (COPUF) system using incoherent, polychromatic illumination and compressive imaging to create a lensless-imaging system, eliminating the need for lasers or expensive spatial light modulators, and enabling secure communication and authentication with a smaller, more robust optical PUF design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional optical PUFs use coherent illumination (lasers), then they can achieve speckle statistics for PUF functionality, but they become expensive, bulky, and sensitive to alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the illumination parameter from coherent (laser) to incoherent (LED or other incoherent light sources). This parameter change eliminates the need for speckle statistics while maintaining PUF functionality through compressive imaging, thereby reducing cost, size, and alignment sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the optical mechanism (coherent illumination requiring precise alignment) with a computational mechanism (compressive imaging algorithms). This replacement allows incoherent light to achieve the same PUF functionality without the mechanical alignment constraints of traditional optical systems
2Reliability
If optical PUFs use coherent illumination and speckle statistics, then they can provide PUF output, but they require expensive and bulky components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the light source parameter from coherent (expensive lasers) to incoherent (cheap LEDs or other incoherent sources). Combined with compressive imaging computation, this parameter change maintains PUF output while dramatically reducing component cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, delicate optical components (lasers, spatial light modulators) with inexpensive, robust components (incoherent light sources, simple detectors). The computational processing compensates for the lower quality of inexpensive components, achieving the same functionality at much lower cost
3Reliability
If optical PUFs use coherent light sources, then they can generate speckle patterns, but they become sensitive to laser alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the illumination coherence parameter, transitioning from coherent to incoherent light. This eliminates the formation of speckle patterns but enables the use of compressive imaging, which is inherently more robust to alignment variations and environmental disturbances
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the optical speckle formation mechanism (which requires precise alignment) with a computational compressive imaging mechanism. The computational approach processes the incoherent light patterns to generate the PUF output, eliminating sensitivity to mechanical alignment issues
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
The COPUF system provides secure communication and authentication between parties using a cost-effective, miniaturized, and environmentally robust optical PUF, enabling secure data transmission and authentication without the need for complex or expensive components.
Implementation Method 1
The light source is incident on the random optical element such that the input data signal is randomly scattered by the random optical element to generate an image on the detector
Data Source
AI summary
A system or method for encryption of data includes a light source, a random optical element and a light detection element. The light source is arranged to transmit an input data signal to the random optical element. The light source is incident on the random optical element such that the input data signal is randomly scattered by the random optical element to generate an image at on the detector disposed at an output of the random optical element. The image received by the detector is applied to a compressive sensing algorithm to generate a transfer function. The transfer function defines a relationship between the input data signal and the image to enable estimation and reconstruction of the input data signal.