Holographic Tagging for Automated Authentication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current anti-counterfeit technologies, such as 3-D security ribbons and holographic images, are ineffective for automated verification and are difficult to detect using electronic or mechanical sensors due to the reflection of holographic images back towards the light source, leading to inefficiencies in authentication speed and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a holographic interference pattern applied to a substrate, which creates a recognizable image when illuminated with coherent light, allowing for automated verification using structured light and a sensor, enabling the detection of authenticity without manual handling or manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional holographic images are used for anti-counterfeit purposes, then visual authentication is possible, but automated detection by sensors is difficult because the holographic image reflects orthogonally back towards the light source
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using a diffraction grating structure that asymmetrically directs diffracted light at specific non-orthogonal angles away from the light source. This asymmetric light directionality enables sensors positioned at specific angles to detect the holographic image, resolving the contradiction between visual authentication and automated sensor detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a diffraction grating as an intermediary element between the light source and the sensor. This intermediary structure modifies the light path by diffracting it at specific angles, enabling the sensor to capture the holographic image without requiring orthogonal reflection, thus facilitating automated detection.
2Extent of automation
If holographic tags reflect images at an angle away from the light source to enable sensor detection, then automated verification becomes possible, but the holographic image becomes less crisp and more difficult to capture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing the diffraction grating structure to direct light at specific angles while maintaining high image quality in those directional paths. The grating's local structural properties are designed to preserve image crispness for automated sensors positioned at predetermined angles, resolving the contradiction between automated verification and image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional holographic image reflection to three-dimensional light diffraction by using a diffraction grating structure. This dimensional change allows the system to control light directionality in multiple dimensions, enabling crisp image capture at specific angles while maintaining automated verification capability.
3Reliability
If manual inspection is used to authenticate holographic images, then authentication can be performed, but the process is slow and requires human handling of the document
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual visual inspection with an optical detection system using sensors and structured light sources. The diffraction grating enables automated optical detection of holographic images, eliminating the need for human handling and visual inspection, thus increasing authentication speed while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by designing the holographic tag with inherent detectable properties through the diffraction grating structure. The tag automatically directs light at specific angles that can be detected by sensors without requiring human intervention, enabling the system to authenticate itself automatically and improve processing speed.
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
Enables efficient and reliable automated authentication of objects by projecting a recognizable image when coherent light is applied, ensuring consistent and reliable results, and allowing for the use of structured light sources to verify documents or bills.
Implementation Method 1
a holographic interference pattern that is created from a holographic interference pattern and information regarding at least one physical characteristic of the surface where there is an image viewable according to a projection from a light source through the holographic interference pattern
Data Source
AI summary
A computerized system for uniquely tagging and verifying authenticity of an article comprising: an object having a surface; a computer system adapted to: receive a three-dimensional predetermined image, create a holographic interference pattern created according to the three-dimensional predetermined image and at least one physical property of the surface of the object, wherein the holographic interference pattern is applied to the object, project a three-dimensional resulting image projected on a planar surface in response to the holographic interference pattern being illuminated wherein the computer system receives the three-dimensional resulting image, creates validation information according to a comparison of the three-dimensional predetermined image and the three-dimensional resulting image. In one embodiment, the holographic interference pattern is illuminated by a beam of light that is directed to the interference pattern by a beam splitter, thus causing the three-dimensional resulting image to be projected on the planar surface.