Physical Unclonable Function Authentication via Multi-Angle Particle Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Counterfeit printer supplies, such as toner cartridges, are difficult to deter due to their ability to perform poorly and potentially damage printers, and existing authentication systems are not adequately secure or cost-effective.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating a non-opaque substrate with dispersed magnetic and non-magnetic particles within a cubic region, combined with a non-volatile memory device that captures and encrypts image data of the particles from different illumination angles, making it difficult to replicate the exact distribution and alignment of particles, thus enhancing authentication security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a PUF authentication system is implemented to prevent counterfeiting, then security against counterfeit printer supplies is improved, but the complexity of the authentication system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent captures particle distribution from multiple viewing angles (first face and second face of the cubic region) and combines them into a multi-dimensional authentication signature. This approach increases security by requiring replication across multiple dimensions while maintaining relatively simple individual measurement setups.
Solution Approach 2:
The PUF utilizes a composite structure combining a transparent substrate with dispersed particles (such as magnetic and non-magnetic particles) to create a unique physical fingerprint. This composite material approach provides high security through the randomness of particle distribution while keeping the physical structure relatively simple and low-cost.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If multiple particles are dispersed in the substrate to create a unique PUF signature, then the difficulty of replicating the PUF is increased, but the manufacturing precision required to maintain particle distribution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-assembly processes where particles naturally distribute themselves within the substrate through physical processes such as mixing and curing, rather than requiring precise controlled placement. The manufacturing process captures the random but reproducible particle distribution that occurs naturally, eliminating the need for high-precision particle positioning while maintaining unique authentication signatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent captures and stores the particle distribution pattern during manufacturing as a reference signature in non-volatile memory. This preliminary capture of the unique particle arrangement establishes the authentication baseline before any potential counterfeiting attempts, allowing verification without requiring precise reproduction of the particle positions during manufacturing.
3Reliability
If image data is captured from multiple faces of the cubic region, then the authentication security is enhanced, but the amount of data to be stored and processed increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and stores only the essential authentication data from the multi-face particle images - specifically the unique particle distribution patterns and their spatial relationships - rather than storing complete high-resolution images from all viewing angles. This extraction approach maintains security through the unique particle fingerprint while significantly reducing the data storage requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A physical unclonable function (PUF) imaged through two faces is disclosed. The PUF is difficult to counterfeit because the view through both faces must be duplicated for a successful counterfeit. PUF may be incorporated into a user-replaceable supply item for an imaging device. A PUF reader may be incorporated into an imaging device to read the PUF. Other systems and methods are disclosed.