Random Pigment Identification Feature for Smartphone Authentication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying and authenticating objects lack a cost-effective and reliable means to ensure identity and authenticity, particularly in mass production processes, where hidden identification elements are needed to prevent human observation while being machine-readable.
Innovation Solution
A printing process creates an identification feature with a multidimensional code, such as a QR code, combined with a random structure from pigments or dyes that become visible under specific electromagnetic radiation, allowing for unique authentication and identity verification using conventional smartphones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hidden identification elements are used to prevent human observation, then reliability of authentication is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a machine-readable code (first identification element) with a random pigment structure (second identification element) into a single identification feature. Both elements are applied simultaneously through one printing process, merging multiple functions into one integrated structure that provides both hidden machine readability and visible authentication properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification feature is segmented into two distinct functional elements: a machine-readable code portion and a random pigment structure portion. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function independently while contributing to overall authentication reliability.
2Productivity
If mass production printing process is used, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a printing process that creates copies of the identification feature through a printing form. The printing form serves as a template that can be repeatedly used to produce multiple identical or variations of the identification feature, enabling mass production while maintaining consistent quality and precision through the standardized printing process.
3Ease of operation
If conventional smartphones are used for authentication, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes materials (fluorescent or phosphorescent pigments) that change their optical parameters when exposed to specific electromagnetic radiation. This parameter change allows the random pigment structure to exhibit visible properties under certain conditions, enabling standard smartphone cameras to capture and analyze the authentication features with sufficient precision for reliable verification.
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
The solution enables mass production of identification features that are simple, cost-effective, and reliable, allowing for hidden machine-readable elements that can be authenticated using standard smartphones, ensuring the identity and authenticity of objects.
Implementation Method 1
the pigments or the particles of the at least one dye forming the random structure of the second identification element are stimulated to spontaneous emission and to fluorescence
Implementation Method 2
the pigments or the particles of the at least one dye forming the random structure of the second identification element are stimulated to spontaneous emission and to fluorescence or phosphorescence
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an identification feature for identifying an object, having a random structure formed of pigments of a colorant or of particles of at least one dye, wherein the random structure is configured as an integral part of a printing ink or an ink. The printing ink or the ink is arranged as a raster graphic consisting of a plurality of pixels at or on the surface of the object to be identified, wherein the pigments of the colorant or particles of the at least one dye forming the random structure form a planar structure comprising a plurality of adjacent pixels of the raster graphic.