Identity Document Authentication via Phosphor Security and Server Verification

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for updating personal data on identity cards, such as address changes, are cumbersome and may compromise the integrity of the document, leading to concerns about confidence in its authenticity.

Innovation Solution

A method using a smartphone to check the authenticity of an ID document's security feature, read machine-readable codes, and transmit identifiers to a server for verifying personal data, allowing updates without altering the physical card, employing a phosphor-based security feature that emits electromagnetic radiation upon excitation for authentication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If personal data on identity cards is updated by physically altering the document (e.g., affixing stickers), then the personal data remains current, but the document's integrity and authenticity are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepersonal data currencyVSAvoiddocument integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The identity card system is segmented into two independent components: the physical card document and the personal data database. The card contains only static identification information (name, photograph, unique identifier) that never changes, while personal data (address, marital status, etc.) is stored separately in a database and accessed electronically. This segmentation allows personal data to be updated in the database without any physical alteration to the card, thus maintaining document integrity while keeping information current.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of storing or displaying complete personal data on the physical identity card, the system uses a copy mechanism where the card contains an identifier that references the full personal data set in a central database. The cardholder's personal information is effectively 'copied' from the database when needed, allowing updates in the source database without affecting the physical card. This copying approach enables data currency while preserving the original document's authenticity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Loss of information

If the identity card is renewed whenever personal data changes, then personal data remains accurate, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepersonal data accuracyVSAvoiddata update time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the permanent identification elements on the card from the changeable personal data in the database, the system eliminates the need for card renewal. Personal data can be updated instantly in the database without requiring the cardholder to obtain a new physical card, thus maintaining data accuracy while saving significant time and administrative effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables automatic updates of personal data in the database without requiring physical card renewal or complex administrative procedures. Authorized entities can update personal data directly in the database, and the changes are immediately reflected when the card is used for identification, eliminating the time-consuming renewal process while ensuring data accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If security features are added to verify document authenticity, then document integrity is enhanced, but the complexity of verification increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedocument authenticityVSAvoidverification complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical and optical verification methods (such as holograms, watermarks, and physical security features requiring special inspection equipment) with an electronic verification system. The verification process uses a simple electronic database lookup based on the card's unique identifier, which can be performed using basic electronic devices. This substitution maintains high reliability for verifying document authenticity while dramatically reducing verification complexity and the need for specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 confident determination and updating of personal data on ID documents without physically modifying them, ensuring the integrity and authenticity of the identity card, even if personal details like address or name change, by using a smartphone to verify the security feature and connect with a server for data validation.

Implementation Method 1

The security feature is based on a retinal protein... a phosphor-based security feature with wavelength conversion properties... stimulating the printed element with a light source, causing it to emit electromagnetic radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhosphorescence: Phosphorescence

Data Source

PatentEP3859692A1Terminal and method for determining personal data using an identity document
Publication Date: 2021.08.04 BUNDESDRUCKEREI GMBH
  • EP3859692A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3859692A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3859692A1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for determining personal data using an identity document. The personal data is assigned to the identity document holder and includes, for example, the holder's residential address. In one step of the method, a security feature (02) located on the identity document is checked to verify its authenticity. Furthermore, a machine-readable code (01) located on the identity document, which represents an identifier for identifying the identity document holder, is read. The identity document holder's personal data is then requested from a server, for which the identifier is transmitted to the server. The personal data associated with the identifier is transmitted by the server if the result of the security feature check (02) is positive.Furthermore, the invention relates to an end device with computer functionality, which is configured for data transmission with a server and together with the server for the execution of the method according to the invention.