Photoluminescent Ink Temporal Encoding for Product Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current product authentication and tracking systems are vulnerable to counterfeiting, as they rely on database security and do not effectively integrate physical and digital features, making it difficult to verify the authenticity of products, especially in industries like pharmaceuticals and tobacco where counterfeiting is prevalent.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of two or more ink formulations with photoluminescent dyes that emit radiation in the range of 380-3000 nm, differing in photoluminescence lifetimes, to create a multi-dimensional code with spatial and temporal dimensions, which is printed on products and can be detected after irradiation, providing a secure identity for tracking and authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If database-based tracking systems are used for product authentication, then tracking capability is improved, but security against counterfeiting deteriorates because databases can be hacked and codes can be transferred to third parties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges digital tracking codes with physical security features containing photoluminescent dyes. The physical security feature includes multiple dyes with different photoluminescence lifetimes that create a unique temporal signature when excited by light, combining the digital code with a physically unclonable optical characteristic to prevent counterfeiting
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to the security feature by utilizing photoluminescence lifetime differences. Instead of just spatial barcode patterns, the system encodes information in the time-domain characteristics of light emission, creating a four-dimensional code (spatial x, y; temporal, spectral) that is extremely difficult to replicate
2Reliability
If physical security features with photoluminescent dyes are used, then counterfeiting resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to the need for multiple ink formulations with different photoluminescence properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the security feature into multiple independently controllable ink formulations, each containing specific photoluminescent dyes with defined lifetime characteristics. This allows separate optimization and control of each dye's photoluminescence properties while maintaining overall system security
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in photoluminescence lifetime parameters to encode information. By selecting dyes with specific lifetime values (e.g., 1-100 ns, 100-1000 ns, 1-10 ms), the system creates distinguishable temporal signatures that can be detected and verified without complex manufacturing processes
3Loss of information
If multi-dimensional codes with temporal components are implemented, then information storage capacity is improved, but detection complexity increases due to the need to measure photoluminescence lifetimes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic excitation and detection cycles where the light source is activated in a controlled sequence and the photoluminescence response is measured at specific time intervals. This periodic measurement approach simplifies the detection process by systematically sampling the decaying photoluminescence signal at characteristic time points corresponding to different dye lifetimes
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 enhances product security by creating a cyber-physical system that is resistant to counterfeiting, as counterfeiters would need to replicate the physical security feature, and provides a secure identity for Industry 4.0 and Logistics 4.0 applications, as well as document security, with a clear cost advantage over existing authentication methods.
Implementation Method 1
two or more ink formulations, each containing one or more photoluminescent dyes that emit radiation in the range of 380-3000 nm under photon excitation and differ in photoluminescence lifetimes
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is based on a method for marking products using two or more ink formulations, each containing one or more photoluminescent dyes emitting radiation in the range of 380-3000 nm under photon excitation and distinguished by different fluorescence lifetimes, for storing information in serialization and/or track & trace systems and for document security.