Encrypted Optical Markers for Anti-Counterfeiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluorescent markers are easily detectable and susceptible to counterfeiting due to their visible properties under appropriate light excitation, lacking effective security features for identification and authentication.
Innovation Solution
Development of encrypted markers, such as encrypted fluorophores and chromophores, which remain non-detectable until treated with a specific developer, transforming them into detectable fluorophores or chromophores, providing a cryptic marking method that includes combining these markers with DNA for enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fluorescent markers are used for identification and security, then they are readily visualized by irradiating with light of the appropriate excitation wavelength, but they can be easily detected, analyzed and copied, rendering them subject to counterfeiting
Solution Approach 1:
The security marker is divided into two separate components: an encrypted marker component applied to the item and a developer component. The encrypted marker alone is non-detectable, but when combined with the developer, it reveals the security information. This segmentation prevents unauthorized detection and copying while maintaining legitimate visualization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A developer reagent is introduced as an intermediary substance that reacts with the encrypted marker to produce the detectable fluorescent signal. Without this intermediary, the encrypted marker remains invisible, thereby preventing unauthorized detection while allowing controlled revelation through the developer application.
2Reliability
If encrypted markers are used to improve security, then they remain non-detectable until treated with a specific developer, but this requires additional steps and reagents for detection and analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The encrypted marker is designed to self-reveal when exposed to the developer, eliminating the need for complex detection equipment or multiple processing steps. The chemical reaction between the encrypted marker and developer automatically produces the detectable fluorescent signal, simplifying the overall detection process while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection process utilizes changes in chemical parameters (the addition of developer reagent) to transform the encrypted marker from a non-detectable state to a detectable fluorescent state. This parameter change approach provides a simple, reliable method for revealing security information without requiring complex detection systems.
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 encrypted markers offer improved security by remaining undetectable until revealed, enhancing physical and chemical stability and enabling secure identification and authentication through visible or fluorescent signals after developer treatment.
Implementation Method 1
a characteristic fluorescence emission after excitation with a particular excitation wavelength
Implementation Method 2
transformed into a readily detectable chromophore
Data Source
AI summary
Encrypted markers that are not readily detectable can be revealed by treatment with a specific reagent used as a developer to reveal a readily detectable physical property of the marker, such as a characteristic fluorescence emission after excitation with a particular excitation wavelength, or to reveal a visible color. The encrypted marker can be developed in situ, or a sample can be removed by brushing, scraping, swabbing or scratching the marked object or item and developing the encrypted marker or a sample thereof with the appropriate developer to reveal an overt marker or optical signal. The encrypted marker may include a DNA taggant.