Dot-Grid Authentication Code for Damage-Resistant Product Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing product identification systems, such as barcodes and QR codes, are ineffective in preventing product fraud and spoofing, particularly when damaged or copied, and are not user-friendly for authenticating individual items.
Innovation Solution
A product authentication code comprising a grid of primary data points with selectively placed dots forming lines with rounded ends, allowing for unique serial numbers, and optionally an alphanumeric string, which can be printed on products or labels, enabling durable and user-friendly authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If QR codes with individual item identification are used, then product tracking and fraud detection capability is improved, but the codes are easily copied and produced, facilitating spoofing
Solution Approach 1:
The code is segmented into multiple distinct visual elements (dots, lines, shapes) arranged in a grid pattern, where each element contributes to the overall unique identifier. This segmentation makes the code more complex to replicate accurately compared to a single continuous pattern like traditional QR codes.
Solution Approach 2:
The code employs asymmetric patterns where dots and lines are selectively joined in non-uniform arrangements. The asymmetric distribution of connected and unconnected dots creates a unique visual signature that is difficult to copy, while still maintaining machine readability through the structured grid layout.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If proprietary codes with micro-features are used to prevent copying, then anti-spoofing capability is improved, but the codes are damaged or distorted when placed on non-flat surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The code design incorporates curved or rounded line ends and circular dot shapes that can accommodate curvature in the code structure itself. This allows the code to maintain its visual pattern and machine readability when placed on curved surfaces like bottle necks, while still providing anti-spoofing capabilities through the complex asymmetric pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The code allows for parameter variations in dot size, line width, and spacing while maintaining the fundamental pattern recognition capabilities. This flexibility enables the code to adapt to different surface curvatures without losing its unique identifier properties or machine readability.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple barcodes or QR codes are used, then ease of manufacture and production is improved, but user-friendly visual verification of authenticity is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The code utilizes variations in dot and line characteristics (such as thickness, spacing, and connection patterns) that create visually distinguishable patterns. These visual variations can be perceived by users without specialized equipment, allowing them to perform basic authenticity checks by comparing the code's visual pattern against expected characteristics or using smartphone cameras to capture and compare the pattern.
Data Source
AI summary
A code attached to a product for validating the authenticity of the product comprising a grid of selectively placed dots to encode a unique serial number for identifying the product. Adjacent vertical dots are joined together to form lines with rounded ends, to allow for human comparison of codes. The dots and rounded lines allow the code to be machine read even when scratched or marked.