Invisible Authentication via Embossed Leather Texture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current authentication methods for natural leather, such as RFID tags and visible identification codes, are vulnerable to counterfeiting and disrupt the luxury feel of the product, necessitating an invisible and secure authentication solution.
Innovation Solution
An artificial skin texture is embedded with an identification code in the protective top-coat of natural leather, using a pattern of higher and lower elements that can only be read by a camera system, allowing for secure authentication and tracking without affecting the product's appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RFID tags and visible identification codes are used for authentication, then authentication capability is improved, but counterfeiting vulnerability increases and luxury feel is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visible mechanical authentication methods (RFID tags, printed codes) with an optical authentication system using embossed skin textures. The authentication code is encoded in the three-dimensional pattern of the leather grain itself, which can be read by optical cameras but is extremely difficult to counterfeit. This substitutes the mechanical attachment of authentication elements with an integrated optical encoding system that maintains the luxury appearance while improving security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes hot embossing technology to create the authentication code within the leather skin texture. By applying heat and pressure during the embossing process, the authentication pattern is permanently embedded in the leather grain structure. This thermal processing ensures the authentication code is integral to the material and cannot be separated or easily replicated, thereby reducing counterfeiting vulnerability while maintaining aesthetic appearance.
2Reliability
If visible identification codes are applied on leather surface, then authentication is enabled, but luxury feel and appearance are disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by encoding the authentication information within the natural skin texture pattern of the leather rather than as a separate visible element. The authentication code is embedded in the grain structure at a microscopic level, making it imperceptible to the human eye while remaining detectable by optical authentication systems. This allows the leather to maintain its luxury appearance while incorporating authentication functionality in a localized, invisible manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional visible codes to three-dimensional embossed skin textures that encode authentication information. The authentication pattern is created through variations in the depth and relief of the leather grain, adding a dimensional aspect that is invisible to casual observation but readable by optical cameras. This dimensional encoding preserves the aesthetic quality while enabling reliable authentication.
3Shape
If skin texture embossing is applied to hide natural marks, then uniform appearance is improved, but authentication capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cosmetic function of skin texture embossing with the security function of authentication encoding. The same embossing process that creates the uniform grain pattern to hide natural defects also embeds the authentication code within that pattern. By combining these two functions into a single integrated process, the leather achieves both appearance uniformity and authentication capability without compromising either function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the skin texture embossing serve multiple functions: it provides the cosmetic benefit of uniform appearance by hiding natural marks, and simultaneously provides the security benefit of embedded authentication coding. The embossed grain structure is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally useful for authentication, eliminating the need for separate cosmetic and security treatments.
Data Source
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AI summary
A natural leather embossed with a skin texture for authenticating said natural leather with an identification code comprising the steps: - applying a protective top-coat on said natural leather; and - selecting an identification code and converting said identification code to a plurality of locations; and - forming a skin texture with higher up elements and lower located elements; arranged according said plurality of locations; and - embossing said skin texture in said protective top-coat.