Modular Dynamic Security Element for Anti-Counterfeiting Authentication

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing authentication methods rely on static security features that can be easily forged, as they remain unchanged over time, making them vulnerable to counterfeiting.

Innovation Solution

A modularly constructed dynamic security element that can change its shape, position, or properties over time, comprising multiple three-dimensional modules with various security features that can be rearranged or modified by the user, making each authentication unique and difficult to replicate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If static security features are used for authentication, then the authentication system is simple to implement, but the security is vulnerable to counterfeiting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidsecurity element structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming static security features into dynamic ones. The security element includes modules that can change their arrangement, position, or configuration over time. During authentication, the current state of the modules is captured and compared with stored reference data. This dynamic characteristic ensures that even if someone obtains a physical copy of the security element, they cannot replicate its changing states, thereby significantly improving authentication security while accepting increased structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If dynamic security features are used for authentication, then the security against counterfeiting is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidsecurity element structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the security element into multiple independent modules. Each module can be individually manipulated or repositioned, creating a combinatorial system with many possible configurations. This modular approach allows the security element to achieve high complexity and security through the arrangement of simple components, rather than requiring a single complex unchangeable structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements nesting by placing multiple modules within a container or housing structure. The modules can be arranged in nested configurations where smaller modules are contained within or alongside larger ones. This nested structure enables compact storage of multiple security features while maintaining the ability to dynamically reconfigure them during authentication operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If modular security elements are used, then the adaptability and uniqueness of authentication is improved, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication flexibilityVSAvoiduser operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the security element to automatically capture its own state and perform self-authentication. The system includes automated mechanisms for detecting module positions, capturing images or data of the current configuration, and comparing it with stored reference patterns. This eliminates the need for manual intervention during authentication, maintaining ease of operation despite the complex modular structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3356980B1Method and device for authentication of an objecct or of a person by means of a modularly constructed security element
Publication Date: 2019.09.04 KISTERS FRIEDRICH
  • EP3356980B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3356980B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3356980B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method and an authentication apparatus for authenticating an object or a person by means of a security element which is individually assigned to the object or to the person and has a plurality of security features. The security element is composed of a plurality of modules which can be changed and have a plurality of surfaces, wherein at least some of the modules have specific security features and individual or all modules are individually combined to form a new, changed security element. At the query time, the appearance or a property of the changed security element is detected and is compared with the reference feature stored in the database in order to authenticate the object or the person.