Mobile Article Identification Using UV-NIR Security Tracers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current article identification systems are ineffective in preventing forgery and piracy, especially for daily consumables, as they rely on visual characteristics that can be easily replicated, and existing technologies are costly, complex, and not suitable for mass market use, failing to provide accurate identification at the point of sale before purchasing.
Innovation Solution
A mobile-based article identification system using security tracers with light energy response materials visible in UV and near-infrared spectroscopy, applied to articles or packages, which can be processed using a standard handheld mobile communication device, enabling secure and accurate identification through frequency analysis and pattern recognition, with continuous software updates for enhanced security and convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visual characteristics (bar codes, RFID tags) are used for article identification, then the identification system is easy to operate, but the system is easily replicated by counterfeiters and cannot provide reliable security
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the identification parameter from visible light (bar codes) or radio frequency (RFID) to ultraviolet and near-infrared spectral regions. These parameter changes enable the security tracers to respond to specific light energy wavelengths that are not visible to the human eye, making them invisible to counterfeiters while remaining detectable by specialized mobile devices, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and security reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies composite security tracers containing multiple light energy response materials that respond differently to UV and near-infrared light. These composite materials create unique spectral fingerprints that are difficult to replicate, combining the ease of visual identification with enhanced security through multi-wavelength response characteristics
2Measurement precision
If advanced security identification technologies are implemented, then the security and measurement precision are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes standard mobile communication devices perform multiple functions by adding security tracer detection capability. The mobile device's existing camera and flash are utilized to detect UV and near-infrared responses, transforming a common consumer device into a multi-functional identification tool that provides high measurement precision without requiring specialized expensive equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The security tracer system enables consumers to perform their own authentication using their personal mobile devices. The system leverages the mobile device's built-in components (camera, flash, processor) to conduct security verification, eliminating the need for separate specialized identification devices and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high accuracy
3Reliability
If RFID tags are embedded in articles, then the identification reliability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase, and the tags are difficult to apply to daily consumables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the identification function from complex embedded RFID tags and implements it through simple surface-applied security tracers. By removing the need for embedded components and utilizing existing mobile device capabilities, the system achieves comparable reliability while dramatically simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs for daily consumable articles
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 cost-effective, user-friendly, and secure method for consumers to verify the authenticity of articles before purchase, preventing risks and damages from forgery and piracy, while building trust in brands and reducing costs for brand owners and consumers.
Implementation Method 1
security tracers with light energy response materials visible in UV and near-infrared spectroscopy
Implementation Method 2
security tracers with light energy response materials visible in UV and near-infrared spectroscopy
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a system and method for consumers to identify articles at a place of sales before purchasing, which are high in security level, low in cost, mobile, high in availability and easy to use. The system and the method are based upon capture of the physical and logic features of a security label containing at least two security tracers applied to an article, and also upon local or remote processing, and at least one of the tracers comprises an invisible energy response material. The identification operation can be performed in a special and offline way by any system of registered consumers through a mobile communication device that has an image capture component and is combined with other particular functions of system software.