Conductive Information Carrier for Secure Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information carriers, such as barcodes and RFID systems, are costly, prone to copying, difficult to produce, and lack efficient read-out capabilities, especially in high-throughput situations, with complex structures that are not easily recyclable and require expensive tools and materials.
Innovation Solution
An information carrier comprising an electrically non-conductive substrate with a non-conductive adhesive layer and a single-layer electrically conductive information layer produced by cold foil transfer processes, which is durable, cost-effective, and can be easily read using a reading device connected to data processing systems, allowing for secure and adaptable information storage and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If barcodes and RFID systems are used as information carriers, then information storage and retrieval is enabled, but production costs are high and they are prone to copying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable sticker with a conductive pattern that can be easily manufactured and applied. This single-use approach eliminates the need for expensive RFID tags while maintaining security through physical attachment. The sticker is discarded after use, preventing copying and reuse.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a conductive pattern printed on a sticker that can be read by a reader device. The information is stored in the physical arrangement of conductive elements rather than in a copyable digital format, making unauthorized replication difficult while keeping manufacturing simple.
2Reliability
If complex information carrier structures are used, then security and storage capacity are improved, but device complexity and recyclability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The information carrier is segmented into a simple substrate with a conductive pattern layer. This segmentation allows the complex information encoding to be achieved through a simple physical structure that is easy to manufacture and recycle, while maintaining security through the reading device's interpretation of the conductive pattern.
3Productivity
If traditional printing techniques are used for information carriers, then production is simple, but read-out accuracy and precision are insufficient for high-throughput situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical scanning with capacitive sensing. The reader device uses electrical fields to detect the conductive pattern on the sticker, enabling faster and more accurate read-out compared to optical methods. This substitution of sensing mechanism achieves both high speed and high precision.
4Ease of manufacture
If liquid processable materials are used in printing processes, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but material cost and process engineering problems increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive conductive ink or conductive material in the form of a printed pattern on a disposable sticker. This approach avoids the need for expensive liquid processable materials while maintaining manufacturing flexibility through simple printing or lamination processes.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, secure, and efficient information carrier with high storage capacity and stability, enabling easy handling and rapid read-out, while reducing production costs and tool wear, and allowing for dynamic content updates and versatile applications across various media formats.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically conductive information layer (2)
Data Source
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Figure 2
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AI summary
The invention relates to an identification system, comprising an information carrier or a group of such information carriers, which allow a clear association of information. The invention further relates to the use of said information carriers, and to a device for reading said information carriers, wherein the information carriers are associated with a random action of a data processing system by way of the structured information layer thereof or can trigger such action. The invention furthermore relates to information carriers for access control systems, payment systems, ticket systems, and marketing application. According to the invention, overlaps of the information layer can be provided by applying additional layers, which achieve several advantages according to the invention, such as optically rendering the information layer unrecognizable, and resulting increased safety of the information carrier against manipulation. In addition, the information layers can be applied in an absolutely level and thin manner onto the carrier material, which enables unlimited further processing.