Product and Container Authentication via Nested Laser Keys
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for authenticating and tracing high-value liquid products like wines and spirits fail to ensure the genuineness of both the product and its container, especially when repackaging or counterfeiting occurs, posing safety risks to consumers.
Innovation Solution
A method involving separate authentication means for products and containers, with first and second authentication keys recorded in databases, and a third key derived from both, ensuring authenticity through laser-engraved Datamatrix codes and 3D random signatures on labels, providing multiple security levels and traceability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single authentication method is used for products, then the authentication process is simple, but it cannot distinguish between genuine products and repackaged counterfeits
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication system is divided into two independent components: a first authentication means applied to the container and a second authentication means applied to the product. This segmentation allows separate verification of container and product authenticity, enabling detection of repackaging attempts where either component may be counterfeit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested authentication structure where the second authentication means (product) is verified in relation to the first authentication means (container) through an associating database. The database stores linkages between container and product authentication data, creating a nested verification system that confirms both components are genuine and properly paired.
2Reliability
If authentication means are added to both products and containers, then counterfeiting is prevented, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication means are designed to be self-verifying through optically readable codes (barcodes, data matrices, RFID tags) that can be scanned and validated automatically. The system performs self-checks by comparing authentication data against the associating database, reducing the need for complex manual verification procedures despite the increased number of authentication components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical authentication systems with optical and electronic verification methods. Optically readable codes and RFID tags enable rapid, automated authentication through light-based reading and wireless communication, substituting cumbersome physical inspection processes with sophisticated but user-friendly optical-electronic systems.
3Reliability
If laser engraving is used for authentication codes, then the codes are difficult to counterfeit, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The laser engraving of authentication codes is performed during the container manufacturing process itself, specifically during the molding stage when the container is being formed. This preliminary action integrates the security feature into the base manufacturing workflow, avoiding the need for separate post-manufacturing steps and minimizing additional process complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the manufacturing process (temperature, pressure, material state during molding) to embed the authentication code directly into the container material through laser engraving. By leveraging the existing thermal and mechanical parameters of the molding process, the system adds security functionality without requiring fundamentally different manufacturing equipment or processes.
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
Ensures the authenticity and traceability of products and containers from production to consumption, preventing counterfeiting by requiring multiple authentication levels to verify the association between the product and its container, making it virtually impossible to counterfeit without altering all authentication keys.
Implementation Method 1
the first authentication means is laser engraved into the container at the 'hot end' of the manufacturing process
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for authenticating a product conditioned in a container and said container, characterized in that: a) at least a first authentication means for ensuring authenticity of the container is chosen and applied onto the container and a first authentication key (AC1) is extracted thereof and recorded in a first database (DB1, DB1'), and b) at least a second authentication means for ensuring authenticity and genuiness of the product is chosen and applied onto the container and a second authentication key (AC2) is extracted thereof and recorded in a second database (DB2), and c) at least a third authentication key (AC3) for authenticating the associated pair of said product and its container is generated from a computer implemented combination of said first and second authentication keys, said third authentication key being recorded in a third database (DB3).