Object Code Segmentation for Secure Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for authenticating objects, such as medicines, are not forgery-proof and lack simplicity and reliability for consumer verification due to the vulnerability of RFID chips and the need for specialized devices.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the generation of unique, encrypted system codes and assignment identifiers, with activation information, is used to create an object code that is divided into visible and hidden parts, allowing for secure and easy verification using widely accessible transmission means like the Internet or mobile networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If RFID chips are used for object identification, then data storage and authentication capability is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to counterfeiting and reprogramming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication capabilityVSAvoidcounterfeiting vulnerability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The object code is divided into two parts: a first object code part that is visible and attachable to the object, and a second object code part that is invisible and not attachable. This segmentation ensures that even if the visible part is copied or tampered with, the invisible part remains secure and cannot be replicated by counterfeiters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A privacy screen is introduced as an intermediary element between the visible object code part and the invisible second object code part. The privacy screen protects the invisible portion from being directly observed or copied, while still allowing the system to function for authentication purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If special devices are required to check authentication codes, then verification reliability is improved, but device complexity and accessibility are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveverification reliabilityVSAvoidspecial device requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed to work with universal, commonly available devices such as smartphones and computers that have web browsers and communication capabilities. Instead of requiring specialized authentication hardware, any device with internet access can verify the object code through the provided link, making the verification process accessible to consumers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The physical and mechanical complexity of specialized verification devices is replaced by a digital communication-based system. The authentication process is transferred to the digital domain, where simple electronic devices with network connectivity can perform verification through standard web protocols, eliminating the need for complex physical verification equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the complete object code is made visible, then ease of verification is improved, but security against tampering is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveverification simplicityVSAvoidtampering vulnerability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The object code is segmented into visible and invisible portions, allowing consumers to easily access and verify the visible first object code part while the invisible second object code part remains secure and cannot be tampered with or copied.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The privacy screen serves as a protective intermediary that shields the invisible second object code part from direct observation and tampering, while still allowing the system to maintain ease of verification through the visible first part and the privacy screen itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2283456B1Method and device for identifying objects
Publication Date: 2015.01.14 SECURECODE
  • EP2283456B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2283456B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2283456B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for identifying an object comprising at least one object identifier with an object code that is used to verify the authenticity of the object. The method comprises the following steps: creation of a unique random system code consisting of a first and a second system code, the first part of the system code being generated from a first character set by a first random method and the second part of the system code being generated from a second character set by a second random method and saving of the system code together with at least one first object-specific information in a first data memory, the first part of the system code being encrypted by a first encryption method and the second part of the system code by a second encryption method prior to being saved; creation of a random encryption key from a third character set by a third random method, creation of a unique assignment identifier by an assignment method and saving of the encryption key, assignment identifier and at least one second object-specific piece of information in a second data memory; creation of the object code, consisting of the first part of the system code and the assignment key, encryption of the object identifier by a fourth encryption method and saving of the encrypted system code together with the encrypted object identifier in a third data memory; and attachment of the object code to the object.