Optical Authentication Label with Luminescent Particles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for optical product authentication face challenges such as high error rates, the need for specialized equipment, constrained measurement conditions, and cumbersome handling, particularly in applications like foodstuffs, medicaments, and apparel textiles, where product-inherent security markers are unsuitable and label-based markers are easily replicable.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of products or packaging equipped with a film, label, or lacquer coating containing randomly distributed reflecting and/or luminescent particles, where digital reference images are recorded and compared with recognition images for authentication, compensating for imaging-related deviations using digital image registration techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If label-based markers are used for authentication, then ease of application is improved, but security and replicability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple materials and structures within the label: a substrate, a layer with randomly distributed reflecting particles, and a luminescent layer with specific phosphors. This composite structure creates a multi-layered authentication system that is both easy to apply and highly secure against replication
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in optical parameters under different excitation conditions. The label exhibits different reflectance patterns under white light versus laser excitation, and the luminescent particles show specific emission wavelengths and decay times. These parameter variations create unique authentication signatures that are difficult to replicate
2Reliability
If product-inherent security markers are used, then security is improved, but adaptability to different product types is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal authentication label that can be applied to diverse product types including foodstuffs, medicaments, and apparel textiles. The label's modular design with adjustable particle densities, sizes, and luminescent materials allows customization for different products while maintaining the same fundamental authentication mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows different regions or layers of the label to have different properties. The reflecting particle layer can be optimized for certain products while the luminescent layer is customized for others, enabling the same label structure to adapt to various product requirements through localized property variations
3Measurement precision
If specialized equipment is used for authentication, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or magnetic detection systems with optical detection methods. By using light sources (including laser diodes) and optical sensors to detect the optical properties of the label, the system achieves high measurement precision while reducing mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates optical copies or images of the label's particle distribution patterns and luminescence characteristics. By capturing and analyzing these optical signatures through imaging systems, the authentication process achieves high precision without requiring direct physical contact or complex mechanical measurement devices
4Measurement precision
If strict measurement conditions are imposed, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an authentication system that is dynamic and adaptable to different measurement conditions. The system can operate under various lighting environments and with different excitation sources, adjusting the authentication criteria accordingly. This allows high precision authentication without imposing overly restrictive operational constraints
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 approach provides a simple and robust method for optical product authentication with reduced error rates and increased security, suitable for various products, including those previously challenging like foodstuffs, medicaments, and apparel textiles, by leveraging the unique properties of luminescent particles for reliable verification.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating the product with light such that the particles reflect or luminesce
Implementation Method 2
irradiating the product with light such that the particles reflect or luminesce
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and system for optical product authentication, in which a product is labeled with optically active particles, a reference image is recorded in a registration step and a recognition image of the optically active particles is recorded in a recognition step. The product is then authenticated by comparing image data or a coding derived from image data in the registration step versus the recognition step.