Pseudorandom Batch Code Printing for Product Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current anti-counterfeiting methods for physical products are costly, complex, and inefficient, particularly for fast-moving consumer goods, as they require significant capital expenditures and storage of large quantities of product codes, and are vulnerable to sophisticated counterfeiting techniques due to the need for extensive image databases and machine learning models.
Innovation Solution
A pseudorandom batch code printing system that uses a cryptographic algorithm to generate unique alphanumeric codes and dot codes directly on products, allowing authentication without storing batch codes, using information printed on the product as input to verify authenticity, reducing storage needs and leveraging distributed mobile computing resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional anti-counterfeiting methods (holographic labels, RFID tags, data matrix codes) are used, then product authentication capability is provided, but capital expenditure and manufacturing complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive printed batch codes instead of expensive RFID tags, holographic labels, or complex data matrix systems. The batch codes are printed using standard printing technology and can be easily replicated, making them disposable and cost-effective for high-volume consumer goods while maintaining authentication capability through cryptographic verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical security features (holograms, RFID hardware) with a cryptographic algorithm that generates pseudorandom batch codes. The authentication mechanism shifts from mechanical/physical verification to mathematical verification, where the cryptographic algorithm serves as the security backbone instead of complex physical anti-counterfeiting features.
2Reliability
If image-based counterfeit detection systems are implemented, then counterfeit detection capability is improved, but storage requirements and data processing complexity increase due to the need for extensive databases of counterfeit images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential authentication information into a compact cryptographic algorithm that generates batch codes directly from product attributes (date, location, batch number). This eliminates the need to store extensive databases of counterfeit images, as the authentication logic is contained within the algorithm itself rather than requiring external reference data.
Solution Approach 2:
The cryptographic algorithm is self-contained and can generate authentic batch codes autonomously using only the product's manufacturing attributes as input. The system does not require external databases or reference materials to verify authenticity, as the algorithm itself provides the verification mechanism through cryptographic comparison.
3Loss of information
If blockchain-based product tracking is used, then supply chain transparency is improved, but implementation feasibility decreases due to the requirement for consistent physical control of supply chains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simple printed batch codes instead of complex blockchain infrastructure. The batch codes are lightweight, inexpensive to implement, and work with standard printing equipment, making them suitable for industries without consistent physical supply chain control. The cryptographic algorithm provides sufficient transparency without requiring the overhead of blockchain technology.
4Reliability
If existing product codes are modified for authentication purposes, then authentication capability is added, but vulnerability to counterfeiting increases as counterfeiters become more sophisticated at replicating modified codes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the batch code generation process by applying cryptographic algorithms that generate pseudorandom sequences from deterministic inputs (product attributes). This changes the parameters of the code structure from simple modified alphanumeric values to cryptographically secure pseudorandom sequences, making them significantly more difficult to replicate while maintaining the same basic function of product identification.
Data Source
AI summary
Pseudorandom batch code printing and product authentication systems and methods are described comprising a batch code printing application (app) for generating an authenticating sequence of authentic pseudorandom numbers by inputting an initial seed value into a cryptographic algorithm to output an initial authenticating pseudorandom number in the authenticating sequence. A second alphanumeric code is generated based on a second authenticating pseudorandom number of the authenticating sequence. A printer is controlled to print a first pseudorandom batch code comprising the first alphanumeric code on a first product and a second pseudorandom batch code comprising the second alphanumeric code on a second product, where the first and second products are part of a product batch. An authentication app determines an identified product date and a suspect alphanumeric code from a suspect batch code as printed on a suspect product, and generates one of: (1) an authenticating output, or (2) a counterfeit output.