Package Authentication via Substrate Fiber Pattern Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing authentication technologies for documents and packages are costly, require expensive equipment, and are not portable, limiting their widespread use and availability, especially in industries prone to counterfeiting.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that generates a unique package identifier based on the physical properties of a package's substrate, using a camera and printer to create a visual indicator, such as a 2D barcode, which is printed on the package, allowing for robust authentication without the need for expensive equipment and enabling use in various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expensive equipment like laser microscopes or microscopes are used for authentication, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent captures the unique fiber structure of the substrate using a camera to create a digital image, which serves as a copy of the physical authentication feature. This digital copy can then be stored and compared without requiring the original expensive microscopy equipment at the verification stage, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/optical systems (laser microscopes, microscopes) with a simpler camera-based imaging system. The camera captures images of the substrate's fiber structure, and digital image processing algorithms analyze these images to authenticate the package, eliminating the need for expensive specialized equipment while maintaining authentication capability
2Measurement precision
If online server connection is required for authentication, then measurement precision is improved through centralized database access, but ease of operation and adaptability decrease due to location limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the authentication system into independent components: local image capture by camera, local image processing and feature extraction, and optional cloud database comparison. This segmentation allows the authentication to function locally without internet connection, while still enabling centralized verification when available, thus improving both precision and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary image capture and feature extraction locally on the device before needing to compare with reference data. The unique fiber pattern is captured and processed on-site, allowing authentication to proceed even without immediate server connection, thereby enhancing location flexibility while maintaining accuracy
3Reliability
If unique identification based on substrate microstructure is implemented, then reliability against counterfeiting is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases due to additional processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the substrate's natural fiber structure as the authentication feature, requiring no additional manufacturing steps to create the unique identifier. The random fiber distribution inherent in paper and cardboard substrates automatically provides the unique signature, eliminating the need for specialized authentication feature fabrication while maintaining high counterfeiting protection
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication feature (unique fiber pattern) is already present in the substrate before package assembly. The system captures this pre-existing natural structure and uses it for authentication, rather than requiring post-manufacturing addition of authentication elements, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while ensuring reliability
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for generating a package identifier includes generating an image of a portion of a surface of a substrate of the package, generating a serial number of the package from the image, the serial number being based on at least one surface feature of the portion of the surface, and affixing a visual indicator on the package that is based on the serial number. The visual indicator affixed on the package is therefore based on the at least one surface feature of the package.