Mineral Security Token Authentication via Optical Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current authentication systems for high-value items face challenges such as high 'false-reject' rates, difficulty in implementing automated reading, and high costs, particularly due to issues with durability and reliability of two-dimensional security devices that can be optically duplicated or damaged.
Innovation Solution
A security token using a solid material, such as rock, with unique mineral compositions that are resistant to wear and tear, featuring optical properties for authentication, combined with an optical detector and processor for signal comparison, allowing for reliable and efficient authentication through optical inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two-dimensional security devices (holograms, diffractive optical devices) are used for authentication, then authentication capability is provided, but the devices are susceptible to optical duplication, abrasion-wear, and flexing damage, leading to high false-reject rates and reliability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional security devices to three-dimensional security elements embedded in transparent material. This dimensional parameter change fundamentally alters the physical properties, making the security feature resistant to abrasion-wear and flexing damage while maintaining authentication capability through optical inspection of the embedded three-dimensional structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds three-dimensional security elements within transparent material to create a composite structure. This composite approach combines the authentication functionality of the security element with the protective and durable properties of the transparent material matrix, resolving the contradiction between providing authentication and resisting physical damage
2Measurement precision
If reflected coherent light methods with speckle, complex diffractions, or refraction are used, then authentication is achieved, but minor changes (thermal expansion, stress-fracturing, scratches) cause large alterations in presented properties, requiring multiple applications and statistical analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical interaction parameter from surface reflection to transmission through transparent material containing embedded three-dimensional security elements. This transmission-based approach provides stable optical properties that are insensitive to minor physical changes like thermal expansion, stress-fracturing, and scratches, eliminating the need for multiple applications and statistical analysis
3Strength
If multiple objects are set in hardenable liquids to create security devices, then security strength is improved, but quantifying spatial features in reading devices becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the matrix material parameter from hardenable liquid to transparent material, and changes the security element dimensionality from multiple objects to three-dimensional embedded elements. This combination maintains security strength while enabling straightforward optical detection and quantification of spatial features through the transparent material without the complexity of reading multiple scattered objects
4Loss of information
If a brittle layer is intentionally shattered to create unique patterns for authentication, then uniqueness is achieved, but the device becomes more susceptible to damage and requires complex examination processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the security feature from a shattered two-dimensional brittle layer pattern to three-dimensional security elements embedded in transparent material. This dimensional change provides uniqueness through the three-dimensional spatial arrangement while simplifying the examination process to straightforward optical inspection, reducing device complexity
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
The system provides a highly reliable and durable authentication method resistant to duplication and physical changes, with low 'false-reject' and 'false-accept' rates, ensuring secure identification and authorization of high-value items.
Implementation Method 1
an optical detector arranged to generate an electrical signal in response to an interaction of light with an authentication element
Data Source
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AI summary
Security token (20) comprising: a substrate (21) and; an authentication element mounted to the substrate and formed from a solid material containing one or more minerals. Furthermore, a security token authenticator and method comprising: an optical detector arranged to generate a signal in response to an interaction of light with an authentication element within a security token, the authentication element formed from a solid material containing one or more minerals; and a processor configured to: compare the generated signal with a previously obtained signal from the authentication element; and provide an output based on the comparison.