Multidimensional Code and Random Pigment Identification Feature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current identification methods for objects lack a cost-effective and reliable means to determine identity and authenticity, particularly in a printing process, with existing solutions often requiring complex technical efforts and being prone to counterfeiting.
Innovation Solution
An identification feature comprising a multidimensional code, such as a QR code, integrated with a random structure formed from pigments or dyes that becomes visible under specific electromagnetic radiation, allowing for unique authentication and identity verification using conventional smartphones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional identification methods are used, then implementation is simple, but reliability and anti-counterfeiting capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a structured multidimensional code (QR code or data matrix) with a random pigment structure into a single integrated identification feature. The multidimensional code provides machine-readable structured information, while the random pigment structure visible under UV/IR radiation provides unique authentication characteristics. This merging allows both reliability through dual-layer verification and controlled complexity through standardized implementation components.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification feature uses a composite structure combining two distinct elements: a geometrically defined multidimensional code and a stochastic pigment pattern. This composite approach enables the system to leverage the advantages of both components - the precision and machine-readability of structured codes and the uniqueness and visual verification capabilities of random pigment structures - thereby improving authentication reliability without requiring entirely new complex systems.
2Reliability
If complex identification features are used to prevent counterfeiting, then authentication reliability improves, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The multidimensional code component serves multiple functions: it provides machine-readable identification data, enables automated verification through standard imaging devices, and can encode additional information layers. This multi-functionality allows a single standardized element to address multiple authentication needs, reducing the requirement for multiple separate complex features and thereby lowering overall manufacturing costs while maintaining high anti-counterfeiting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The random pigment structure, while unique to each identification feature, can be reproduced using conventional printing processes. The stochastic nature of the pigment distribution ensures that even identical printing runs produce visually distinct patterns under UV/IR radiation, providing inherent anti-counterfeiting protection without requiring complex manufacturing steps. This copying approach with inherent variability enables cost-effective production of secure identification features.
3Measurement precision
If visual inspection methods are used, then ease of operation is high, but measurement precision and authentication accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The identification feature is segmented into two distinct functional components: a multidimensional code for machine-automated precise reading and verification, and a random pigment structure for visual authentication under UV/IR radiation. This segmentation allows different verification methods to operate independently at appropriate levels of precision - automated systems achieve high accuracy through code recognition while human operators can perform quick visual checks - thereby maintaining ease of operation across different user types while ensuring high authentication accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The multidimensional code acts as an intermediary between the physical identification feature and the verification system. It provides a machine-readable interface that translates the physical presence and characteristics of the identification feature into structured data that can be precisely and automatically verified. This intermediary layer enables high measurement precision through automated optical character recognition and validation algorithms while keeping the operation simple for end users who only need to present the feature for scanning.
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 mass production of identification features that are both cost-effective and reliable, with the random structure providing a unique visual signature under UV or IR radiation, facilitating easy authentication by comparing captured images.
Implementation Method 1
The pigments or the particles of the at least one dye of the second identification element are stimulated to spontaneous emission and to fluorescence or phosphorescence
Implementation Method 2
The pigments or the particles of the at least one dye of the second identification element are stimulated to spontaneous emission and to fluorescence or phosphorescence
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an identification feature for identification of an object, having a random structure formed of pigments of a dye or particles of at least one colorant, wherein at least two identification elements are arranged in a defined delimited surface of the identification feature, wherein a first identification element is formed by a printing color or an ink, wherein a second identification element is formed by the random structure formed of the pigments of a dye or the particles of at least one colorant, wherein the pigments of the dye or the particles of the at least one colorant of the printing color or the ink of the first identification element are in each case dispersed in a first dispersant, and wherein the pigments of the dye or the particles of the at least one colorant of the second identification element are in each case dispersed in a second dispersant, wherein the first dispersant and the second dispersant differ from one another in terms of material.