Forensic 2D Barcode System with Proprietary Glyph Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Two-dimensional barcodes, such as QR codes, are ineffective for security and anti-counterfeiting due to their widespread availability of decoding methods, making them less valuable for authenticating products and tracking sales, as counterfeiters can easily replicate the codes, limiting their utility.
Innovation Solution
A forensic-encoded 2D barcode system that includes standard barcode elements and an embedded glyph, allowing users to verify authenticity through dual scanning, with the glyph being printed separately or within the barcode, using a proprietary font to enhance security and prevent counterfeiting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a popular 2D barcode format like QR code is used, then ease of scanning and user acceptance is improved, but security and anti-counterfeiting capability deteriorates because decoding methods become widely available
Solution Approach 1:
The barcode system is segmented into two distinct parts: a first barcode containing primary information that can be read by any standard scanner, and a second barcode containing secondary information that requires a proprietary app to decode. This segmentation allows the system to serve both public accessibility and security needs simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
A proprietary mobile application serves as an intermediary between the second barcode and the user. The app is required to decode the second barcode, creating a controlled access layer that prevents unauthorized or casual scanning while maintaining security. The intermediary app verifies authenticity by comparing scanned data against a database.
2Reliability
If a proprietary 2D barcode format with difficult decryption is used, then security is improved, but ease of operation and user adoption deteriorates because users must download proprietary apps
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides barcode functionality into two segments: a publicly accessible first barcode for basic information and tracking, and a secure second barcode for authentication that requires the proprietary app. This allows most users to interact with the product through simple scanning, while security-sensitive operations require the enhanced app.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-barcode system provides multiple functions: the first barcode enables universal scanning for product information and tracking by any device, while the second barcode provides secure authentication functionality. This multi-functionality ensures broad compatibility without compromising security.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard barcode elements are used alone, then ease of manufacture and scanning is improved, but ability to identify counterfeit products deteriorates because counterfeiters can easily replicate them
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-counterfeiting mechanism is segmented into two layers: a first barcode that is easy to manufacture and scan for basic product identification, and a second barcode with complex encoding that is difficult to replicate without the proprietary decoding app. This segmentation maintains manufacturing simplicity while adding security.
Solution Approach 2:
The proprietary mobile application acts as an intermediary that verifies the authenticity of the second barcode. Even if counterfeiters replicate the visual appearance of the barcode, the proprietary app can detect falsifications by attempting to decode the secondary information and verify it against the manufacturer's database, thereby preventing counterfeit acceptance.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for forensic encryption, comprising: a 2D barcode pattern comprising a plurality of 2D barcode elements printed in a region on a printable surface, and which is affixed to a unique product; and at least one glyph printed within the area of the 2D barcode pattern; and wherein the 2D barcode elements are decoded by a first 2D barcode scanner to yield the at least one glyph, and wherein the at least one glyph is decoded by a user to verify the at least one glyph.