Liquid Ink Encoding with Nucleic Acid Biomarkers for Printer Traceability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack the capability to authenticate and trace documents back to a specific inkjet printer for security purposes.
Innovation Solution
Encoding liquid ink with a biomarker, specifically a nucleic acid containing a code sequence that includes the serial number of the inkjet printer, which is mixed with the ink and deposited onto a media substrate, allowing the ink to be traced back to the printer, optionally with the addition of a fluorescent marker for visual verification under UV light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional ink is used without encoding, then the printing process is simple and fast, but the document cannot be authenticated or traced back to a specific printer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by encoding the ink with biomarkers before the printing process. The nucleic acid sequences are incorporated into the ink formulation in advance, so that when the document is printed, the authentication capability is already embedded in the ink itself, eliminating the need for post-printing authentication procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses biomarkers, specifically nucleic acid sequences, as an intermediary substance that bridges the connection between the printer and the printed document. These biomarkers serve as a mediating element that carries printer-specific information from the ink to the final document, enabling traceability without altering the fundamental printing process
2Reliability
If biomarkers are added to ink for tracing capability, then document traceability is enabled, but the ink composition becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the natural properties of nucleic acids - their stability, specificity, and ability to encode information through sequence variations. By changing the chemical composition parameters of the ink to include these biomolecules, the system gains traceability capability while leveraging the inherent properties of nucleic acids to minimize formulation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material by combining conventional ink components with biomarkers (nucleic acid sequences). This composite ink formulation integrates the functional properties of traditional ink with the identification properties of biomolecules, achieving both printing capability and traceability in a single material system
3Measurement precision
If nucleic acid sequences are incorporated into ink, then authentication capability is provided, but the detection and measurement process becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or chemical analysis methods with molecular biology-based detection techniques. Instead of using cumbersome physical characterization methods to identify ink composition, the system uses nucleic acid sequencing and amplification technologies, which are highly sensitive, specific, and well-established in modern laboratories
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs the principle of copying through PCR (polymerase chain reaction) amplification of the nucleic acid sequences. This allows a small sample of ink or printed material to be replicated millions of times, generating sufficient material for accurate sequencing and analysis, thereby making the detection process more feasible and precise
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 secure authentication and tracing of printed documents to a specific inkjet printer, providing a reliable method for document origin verification.
Implementation Method 1
a fluorescent marker is also added with the liquid ink such that the ink fluoresces under an ultraviolet light thereby providing a visual indication that the printed media has been printed with encoded liquid ink
Data Source
AI summary
What is disclosed is a method for encoding liquid ink with a biomarker which can be traced back to a specific inkjet printer. In one embodiment, an aqueous solution containing a biomarker is combined with a volume of liquid ink. The biomarker comprises a nucleic acid. An ordering of nucleobases forming that nucleic acid has a code sequence. In one embodiment hereof, the nucleic acid is constructed using a code sequence which contains, at least in part, the device specific serial number of the inkjet printer. The encoded liquid ink is added to an inkjet printer and the code sequence encoded in that ink is associated with that particular inkjet printer. The inkjet printer is then used to deposit the encoded ink onto a media substrate. In other embodiments, a fluorescent marker is also added with the volume of liquid ink such that the ink fluoresces under an ultraviolet light.