Nested Secure Tags for Product Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inventory tracking methods are vulnerable to counterfeiting, grey market sales, supply chain management issues, and difficulties in connecting with end users for product authentication, warranty management, and product recalls.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of secure tags that can connect to a blockchain or similar database, providing unique identification for individual products, and featuring a unique, discreet key, dynamic storage areas, and integration with digital ledgers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tags (barcodes, QR codes) are used for product identification, then implementation is simple and cost-effective, but security is compromised due to ease of reproduction and lack of anti-counterfeiting features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where a first tag containing a first code is embedded within a second tag containing a second code. The first tag is physically nested inside the second tag, creating a hierarchical authentication system where the inner tag provides additional security verification layer beyond the outer tag, thereby enhancing anti-counterfeiting capability without requiring a completely new system
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication system is segmented into multiple independent components: the second tag (outer tag) and the first tag (inner tag), each with separate codes and verification processes. This segmentation allows the system to provide layered security where each tag can be independently verified, and the combination of both tags provides enhanced authentication, resolving the contradiction between security and complexity by distributing functionality across segments
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional read-only tags are used, then manufacturing is simple, but functionality is limited and cannot support dynamic information updates or multiple writing methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal tag system where tags can serve multiple functions: initial product identification, dynamic information updates, authentication verification, and supply chain tracking. The tags are designed to accommodate multiple writing methods and can be updated throughout the product lifecycle, transforming static identification markers into multi-functional communication devices that bridge manufacturers, retailers, and consumers
3Loss of information
If fixed-size information storage is used in traditional tags, then reading and writing is straightforward, but information capacity is limited and cannot accommodate variable data requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic information storage where tag content can be updated and modified throughout the product lifecycle. The tags transition from static fixed-size storage to dynamic variable-content storage, allowing information to be added, updated, or removed based on product status, authentication events, and supply chain interactions, thereby preventing information loss while managing complexity through structured update protocols
4Reliability
If traditional tags require specific orientation for reading, then decoding is simple, but user convenience is reduced and scanning reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric design elements in the tag structure, particularly in the geometric features and patterns within the codes, that enable orientation-independent recognition. The asymmetric patterns are designed to be identifiable regardless of the tag's rotational position, allowing scanning systems to automatically detect and decode tags in any orientation, thereby improving both scan reliability and user convenience by eliminating the need for precise alignment
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for decoding secure tags using an authentication server and secure tag reader. The system can include at least one processor and at least one non-transitory memory. The memory can contain instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the secure tag reader to perform operations. The operations can include detecting a potential secure tag in an image and generating a normalized secure tag image using the image and a stylesheet. The operations can further include providing an identification request to an authentication server, the identification request including the normalized secure tag image. The operations can additionally include receiving rules for decoding tag data encoded into the secure tag as tag feature options and decoding the tag data using the received rules.