DECENC Reader Chip Authentication via Onboard Key Encryption
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current counterfeit detection methods are costly, time-consuming, and vulnerable to reverse engineering, particularly for low-cost products like anti-malaria drugs, as sophisticated counterfeiting techniques have rendered existing authentication mechanisms ineffective.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an encryption/decryption processor chip (DECENC chip) paired with a reader chip, where the encryption/decryption key is embedded within the chips and never leaves them, ensuring unique serial numbers are securely verified, making it economically impractical for counterfeiters to reverse engineer or duplicate the chips, and allowing remote authenticity verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RFID electronic chips are embedded within products for authentication, then product authentication capability is improved, but cost increases making it unattractive for very low cost products
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable stamping mechanism with a stamped code that is applied to the product and then destroyed or deactivated after use. This eliminates the need for expensive reusable RFID chips while maintaining authentication capability. The stamping device includes a code generation mechanism that creates unique identification marks at low cost, and the stamped code is designed to be single-use, preventing reuse by counterfeiters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electronic RFID system with a mechanical stamping system. Instead of using electromagnetic fields and electronic chips, the authentication mechanism uses a mechanical stamp that imprints a code onto the product surface. This mechanical approach is significantly cheaper to implement while providing similar authentication functionality for low-cost products.
2Reliability
If sophisticated authentication mechanisms are implemented to prevent counterfeiting, then authentication security is improved, but the mechanisms become vulnerable to reverse engineering by sophisticated counterfeitters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a timestamp or date code into the stamped identification mark, creating a preliminary time reference that can be verified before any potential reverse engineering occurs. The timestamp indicates when the authentic product was manufactured or authenticated, allowing verification systems to detect if a counterfeit product is using an outdated or invalid timestamp pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses variable code patterns and cryptographic transformations that change based on specific parameters such as product type, manufacturing batch, and timestamp. The stamped code incorporates mathematical operations and cryptographic functions that make reverse engineering difficult without the corresponding verification keys, which remain secret and never leave the authentication system.
3Measurement precision
If chemical authentication methods are used to detect counterfeit goods, then authentication accuracy is improved, but the methods require advance equipped laboratories and are time consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy of the authentication mechanism in the form of a stamped code that can be read by simple optical devices. Instead of requiring complex chemical analysis, the stamped code provides a visual fingerprint that can be captured using basic cameras or scanners. This visual copy can then be verified through database comparison without needing sophisticated laboratory equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces chemical authentication methods with a mechanical stamping system that creates visible codes on the product surface. Instead of using spectroscopy, chromatography, or other chemical analysis techniques, the system uses mechanical stamping to create identification marks that can be read by simple optical devices, eliminating the need for expensive laboratory equipment.
4Reliability
If Holograms or color shifting ink are included on packages for authentication, then counterfeiting difficulty is improved, but the technologies are no longer prohibitively costly to implement by counterfeitters due to advances in image processing software
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a disposable stamped code that is applied to the product and then destroyed or deactivated after verification. This eliminates the need for expensive holograms or color-shifting ink while maintaining security. The stamped code is a simple mechanical mark that is difficult to replicate and cannot be reused, providing effective authentication at minimal cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates variable parameters into the stamped code such as timestamps, batch numbers, and cryptographic hashes that change with each product. This variability makes it difficult for counterfeitters to replicate the authentication mechanism, as they would need to recreate all the variable parameters dynamically rather than using static holograms or fixed patterns.
Data Source
AI summary
Authentication of a product could be accomplished by utilizing encryption and decryption engines onboard two integrated circuits namely a DECENC chip and a READER chip. A unique serial number in either an encrypted or un-encrypted format is programmed into eFuses, or OTP devices on board the DECENC chip where this chip is then attached to the product. During the authentication procedure, the encrypted and decrypted serial number on board the DECENC chip is transferred to the READER chip. The READER chip subsequently performs a decryption of the serial number from the first chip if this serial number is in encrypted form or performs an encryption of the serial number from the first chip if this serial number is in un-encrypted form. The READER chip then compares its result of decryption or encryption against the corresponding decrypted or encrypted versions of the serial number received from the DECENC chip. If the results of decryption or encryptions for both chips are the same, then the READER chip signals an authentic product, otherwise it will reject the product as fake.