Light-Triggered Microtransponders for Small-Object Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current security markings, such as QR codes, RFID tags, and holograms, are inefficient for tagging smaller objects due to size constraints and durability issues, and existing technologies like secure inks are not durable enough to withstand wear and tear.

Innovation Solution

The use of miniature light-triggered transponders (MTPs) with optimized clock recovery circuits and reverse antenna systems, integrated into security inlays and displays, to provide robust authentication and tracking capabilities, including durable self-destructive functions and integration with blockchain technology for secure document smart contracts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If QR codes, RFID tags, and holograms are used for security markings, then authentication capability is provided, but size constraints and durability issues make them inefficient for smaller objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication capabilityVSAvoidsize of security marking

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the security marking system into multiple functional components: a light-triggered transponder (MTP) embedded in the object, a display surface with embedded taggants for visual verification, and a reader system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the MTP providing compact authentication and the display surface providing durable visual security features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces light as an intermediary to activate and communicate with the embedded transponder. The light-triggered mechanism enables reliable authentication without requiring direct contact or large physical structures, allowing secure markings to be embedded within smaller objects while maintaining authentication capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If secure inks are used for security markings, then authentication is provided, but they are not durable enough to withstand wear and tear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication capabilityVSAvoiddurability of security marking

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite security system combining multiple durable materials: light-triggered transponders embedded in the object substrate, taggants embedded in the display surface material, and protective coatings. This composite structure provides both authentication capability and resistance to wear and tear, as each material is selected for its specific durability properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates protective measures in advance by embedding the transponder and taggants within the structure of the object and display surface before use. This pre-embedding protects the security features from damage, wear, and environmental factors, ensuring long-term durability while maintaining authentication functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If conventional security markings are used, then basic authentication is provided, but enhanced read distances and resistance to counterfeiting are not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication capabilityVSAvoidread distance and anti-counterfeiting capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical or optical security features with a light-triggered electronic communication system. The MTP uses light to activate and transmit authentication data wirelessly to a reader, enabling enhanced read distances and making the system more resistant to counterfeiting compared to traditional contact-based or visually inspected security markings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters of the security system by using light-triggered communication instead of conventional methods. This allows for variable read distances, multiple authentication modes, and dynamic verification protocols that enhance both read distance capability and resistance to counterfeiting attempts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

MTPs enable efficient and durable object authentication, tracking, and secure document management, with enhanced read distances and resistance to counterfeiting, while being cost-effective and scalable for various applications.

Implementation Method 1

These have proven to be stable under physiological conditions. Hence, they can be used as implanted tagging devices for animals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

MTPs can provide output signals as RF, or as light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic Radiation:

Data Source

PatentUS12003967B2Devices, systems, and methods using microtransponders

Publication Date: 2024.06.04 P CHIP IP HOLDINGS INC

AI summary

An object may include at least one microtransponder (MTP) configured with an identifier. The identifier of the MTP may be indexed to the object. Indexing information associated with the MTP and the object may be stored in a database of a security system. The MTP may be read, and data reported by the MTP may be processed to determine authenticity of the object.