Embedded Random Identifiers for Authenticating Non-Fungible Items
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack an effective method to securely pair non-fungible physical items with uniquely registered digital representations, leading to vulnerabilities in anti-counterfeiting measures.
Innovation Solution
Embed an identifier with a random or unique marker in an unplanned pattern within the non-fungible physical item, using features like holographic foils, watermarks, and fibers, and authenticate using an authentication device that captures and verifies the pattern through a blockchain system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional authentication methods are used for physical items, then ease of operation is maintained, but security against counterfeiting deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds multiple layers of authentication features within the physical item itself - identifiers are embedded in the substrate, with additional security features layered on top. This nested structure allows comprehensive security verification without requiring external authentication systems, resolving the contradiction between enhanced security and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication features are self-contained within the physical item, with identifiers and security elements embedded directly in the substrate. The item authenticates itself through its inherent unique characteristics rather than requiring external verification systems, maintaining ease of operation while dramatically improving anti-counterfeiting security.
2Reliability
If unique identifiers are embedded in physical items, then reliability against counterfeiting is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The unique identifier is embedded in the substrate during the initial manufacturing process rather than being added later. This preliminary action ensures the identifier becomes an intrinsic part of the item's structure, making it extremely difficult to replicate or remove without obvious damage, thus improving authenticity verification while managing manufacturing precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes variations in the physical and chemical properties of the substrate material itself to create unique identifiers. By changing parameters such as fiber distribution, molecular structure, or material composition during manufacturing, each item develops inherent uniqueness without requiring high-precision embedding processes, resolving the contradiction between reliability and manufacturing precision.
3Reliability
If digital representations are registered on blockchain, then reliability of authentication is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the authentication function from complex blockchain systems and implements it through simple, inherent physical characteristics of the item itself. By using the substrate's natural unique features as identifiers, the system achieves blockchain-level authentication reliability without the complexity of blockchain integration, resolving the contradiction between authentication reliability and system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to a non-fungible physical (NFP) item. The non-fungible physical (NW) item comprises an identifier. The identifier is embedded and layered within the non-fungible physical item in an unplanned pattern. The identifier in the unplanned pattern is configured to provide high security against counterfeiting of the non-fungible physical (NFP) item. The identifier comprises at least one of a random marker and a unique marker. The unplanned pattern comprises at least one of a random pattern and a unique pattern. Further the non-fungible physical (NFP) item is registered as a non-fungible token on a blockchain. The NFP item is then paired with the non-fungible token for enabling two-way mutual authentication and enhanced authenticity. The pairing of the NFP item with the non-fungible token enables tracking condition, provenance, and grading of the NFP item.