Authentication reader and a dispenser comprising the authentication reader
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current authentication systems for dispensers are costly, lack versatility, and can be easily circumvented by counterfeiters, particularly Level 2 security measures that rely solely on invisible designs or taggants, which are not intellectual property protected, allowing for easy reproduction and use of counterfeit products.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser system with a base unit and refill containing taggant ink on its surface, illuminated by a non-scanning light source, where the ink emits a different wavelength, detected by a sensor and processed by a control circuit to verify authenticity, incorporating both overt and covert machine-readable features for enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Level 2 security measures using invisible taggants are employed, then authentication capability is improved, but ease of circumvention increases because taggants are not intellectual property protected and can be easily reproduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple authentication features into a single security mark: visible branding elements (protected by intellectual property) and invisible fluorescent taggants (protected by physical properties). This composite approach ensures that counterfeiters must replicate both the visible design and the specific fluorescent characteristics, significantly increasing the difficulty of circumvention while maintaining authentication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the fluorescent properties of taggant inks that change parameters under different illumination conditions. The taggants remain invisible under normal lighting but emit specific wavelengths when illuminated by ultraviolet or infrared lasers, providing authentication capability without compromising security, as the dynamic parameter change (visibility) cannot be easily replicated by counterfeiters.
2Reliability
If traditional authentication systems are used, then security is provided, but cost increases and versatility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal authentication system where the same security mark structure can be applied across multiple dispenser types and product categories. The base unit with ultraviolet/infrared laser source and sensor can authenticate various refill products (cleaning fluids, personal care products, etc.) using the same technical approach, providing both security and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive fluorescent taggant inks that can be applied during the normal printing process of product labels, avoiding the need for expensive specialized authentication components on each refill. The system uses off-the-shelf ultraviolet LEDs and sensors in the base unit, making the authentication system cost-effective and adaptable to various applications.
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
This solution provides a cost-effective, secure, and versatile authentication method that prevents unauthorized refills from being used, as the taggant ink is difficult to copy and requires specific detection, ensuring only authentic products are dispensed, thereby protecting intellectual property rights.
Implementation Method 1
the ink being arranged to cause the ink to emit light at a second different wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
An authentication reader and a dispenser comprising the authentication reader for authenticating a product having a taggant ink disposed on the product's surface.