Quantum Emitter Security Element Mobile Device Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for optically determining unique identifiers in security elements, especially those based on quantum mechanical effects, are difficult to implement in commercial environments with consumer-like devices, lacking convenience and satisfactory authentication security functionality.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for optically reading security elements using a mobile device, which involves exciting quantum emitters with varying excitation radiation and measuring emission spectra to create a unique identifier map, allowing for secure authentication without requiring specialized equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical reading methods are used to determine unique identifiers in security elements, then authentication capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in implementation with consumer-like devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex specialized optical reading equipment with a mobile device camera system. The camera captures images of the security element under ambient lighting, and software algorithms process these images to extract unique identifier information. This substitution of mechanical/optical systems with computational methods enables consumer-like devices to perform authentication functions that previously required specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The security element is designed to work passively with standard mobile device cameras. The unique identifier is embedded in the physical structure of the security element itself, allowing the mobile device to read it directly without requiring active components, power sources, or specialized interfaces on the security element side. This self-service approach simplifies operation for end users.
2Reliability
If optical reading methods are used to determine unique identifiers in security elements, then authentication capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to specialized equipment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables standard mobile device cameras to perform security element authentication, a function previously requiring specialized equipment. The same camera hardware used for photography is repurposed through software to capture and analyze security element images. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated reading devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining authentication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Complex specialized optical readers are replaced with software-based image processing algorithms running on mobile devices. The unique identifier extraction is achieved through computational methods that analyze standard camera images, eliminating the need for complex optical components, precision positioning mechanisms, and specialized sensors that would increase device complexity.
3Reliability
If optical reading methods are used to determine unique identifiers in security elements, then authentication capability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements worsen due to controlled environment needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic image capture and processing that adapts to varying lighting and environmental conditions. Multiple images may be captured with different exposures, and software algorithms selectively combine or process these images to extract the unique identifier. This dynamic approach allows authentication to succeed across a range of manufacturing and usage environments without requiring precisely controlled conditions during the reading process.
Solution Approach 2:
The unique identifier is embedded in the security element during manufacturing in a way that creates a persistent physical pattern. This preliminary encoding ensures that the identifier survives subsequent handling and environmental variations. The robust embedding method allows the identifier to be reliably read later under diverse conditions without requiring precise environmental control during the authentication process.
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 provides a richer and more secure unique identifier determination, enabling convenient and secure authentication using a mobile device, even in commercial environments, by leveraging the unique excitation-emission relationships of quantum emitters.
Implementation Method 1
The security element comprises a number of emitters that are each capable of exhibiting a different emission response to electromagnetic excitation radiation
Data Source
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AI summary
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of determining a unique identifier for a security element, the method comprising: optically reading the security element, the security element comprising a number of emitters that are each capable of exhibiting a different emission response to excitation of the number of emitters; the reading comprising determining data indicative of an optical property of the security element using first emission electromagnetic radiation, emitted in response to first excitation of the number of emitters, and determining data indicative of an optical property of the security element using second emission electromagnetic radiation, emitted in response to second, different, excitation of the number of emitters; and the unique identifier being determined from a map of a variation in determined data indicative of an optical property with respect to the excitation of the number of emitters.