NFT Physical Object Authentication via Segmented Optical Encoding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for assigning information to physical objects lack secure and tamper-proof mechanisms, particularly in preventing counterfeiting and ensuring unique identification.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the creation of a nonfungible token (NFT) in a blockchain, where an optical acquiring device captures an image of a physical information carrier with encoded and non-encoded parts, and the encoded information is decoded and assigned to the NFT, providing a secure link between the physical object and its digital twin.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a QR code or barcode is used for identification, then electronic identification and data storage are enabled, but the identification mark can be manipulated by changing information or attaching to counterfeit objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectronic identification capabilityVSAvoidanti-manipulation security

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The identification system is segmented into two distinct parts: a visible non-encoded image part that provides aesthetic and branding functions, and a hidden encoded image part that contains authentication data. This segmentation allows the visible portion to be appealing while the hidden portion maintains security, resolving the contradiction between versatility and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A smartphone application acts as an intermediary between the physical object and the blockchain network. The application captures images of the encoded image part, decodes the authentication data, verifies it against blockchain records, and confirms authenticity to the user. This intermediary layer provides a user-friendly interface while maintaining robust security through decentralized verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If information is attached directly to the physical object, then easy access to object data is achieved, but the information can be copied or manipulated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata accessibilityVSAvoidinformation integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of storing valuable authentication data directly on the physical object, a visual copy (the encoded image part) is created that can be optically scanned. The actual authentication logic and data verification occur in the digital realm through blockchain technology, allowing easy optical copying for verification while maintaining security through decentralized immutable records.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from two-dimensional physical attachment to a multi-dimensional verification process involving optical imaging, digital decoding, and blockchain verification. The authentication data exists in the digital dimension (blockchain) rather than being physically embedded, enabling easy optical access while maintaining integrity through cryptographic verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Loss of information

If a digital twin is created for a physical object, then ownership tracking and service records are improved, but the link between physical and digital worlds must be secure against counterfeiting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveownership record accuracyVSAvoidcounterfeiting risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The encoded image part is embedded in the physical object during manufacturing, establishing the authentic link before the object enters circulation. This preliminary action ensures that only genuine objects receive the correct authentication data in the blockchain, preventing counterfeiters from creating valid digital twins later.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides immediate feedback when a smartphone scans the encoded image part: the application verifies the decoded data against blockchain records and communicates authenticity or counterfeit status to the user. This real-time feedback mechanism prevents propagation of counterfeit goods by alerting consumers and enabling them to take appropriate action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

This solution ensures that the information assigned to the NFT is correct and tamper-proof, providing a secure means to track ownership and authenticity of physical objects, while preventing counterfeiting and ensuring unique identification.

Implementation Method 1

optical acquiring an image of a physical information carrier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight detection: Light

Data Source

PatentUS20250055713A1Method for assigning information referring to a physical object to a nonfungible token

Publication Date: 2025.02.13 AUTHENTIC NETWORK GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for assigning information referring to a physical object to a nonfungible token, wherein the method comprises the following steps: creating a nonfungible token, in particular in a blockchain, optical acquiring an image of a physical information carrier, wherein the image comprises at least one non-encoded image part and at least one encoded image part, identifying the encoded image part, decoding the encoded image part and assigning the decoding result to the nonfungible token.