Resistor-Based Product Authentication for Multi-SKU Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manufacturing and packaging lines in insecure environments face challenges in identifying and authenticating products without access to trusted servers, leading to potential errors and inefficiencies in managing inventory with multiple stock keeping units (SKU).
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using an additional layer of key derivation based on a configurable integer numeric identifier, where a resistor value determines the product's identity, allowing authentication without pre-programming the integrated circuit, and utilizing a single IC for multiple products by varying external resistors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pre-programming is used to identify and authenticate products, then authentication security is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the authentication data storage function from the IC itself and places it in an external secure element or server. The IC only performs lightweight verification operations, while the actual authentication credentials are stored externally. This reduces IC complexity while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication server or secure element that mediates between the IC and the authentication system. The IC communicates with this intermediary to perform authentication without needing to store complex credentials locally, simplifying the IC design while maintaining security.
2Measurement precision
If multiple ICs are used for different product SKUs, then product identification accuracy is improved, but device complexity and inventory management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal IC that can authenticate multiple different product SKUs. The IC contains a generic authentication mechanism that works across product lines, while product-specific identification is handled through external data structures or configuration files, not through different IC hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses configurable parameters within the authentication system to differentiate products. Instead of requiring different ICs for different SKUs, the system changes authentication parameters, keys, or data structures to identify different product types, allowing a single IC design to serve multiple products.
3Reliability
If trusted servers are used for authentication, then authentication security is improved, but accessibility in insecure locations worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs authentication operations in advance or offline where possible. Authentication credentials are pre-established, and verification can be performed locally without real-time server connection. This allows authentication to work in insecure or offline locations while maintaining security through pre-configured trust relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the authentication system into separate components: a secure credential storage component (that can be offline) and a verification component. This segmentation allows the verification function to operate independently in insecure locations while the secure credential management remains separated, maintaining both accessibility and security.
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 reduces errors and simplifies production by enabling secure identification and authentication of different SKUs using a single IC, streamlining manufacturing and reducing the need for individual programming, while enhancing security and inventory management.
Implementation Method 1
a pin to sample a voltage at a point between a resistor and a current source
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprising: a pin to connect to a resistor and a power source; a measurement circuit to measure a voltage at the pin; a circuit to determine a mapped identification value of the apparatus based upon the voltage at the pin, the mapped identification value coding the apparatus as an instance of a product from a set of products; and an authentication circuit. The authentication circuit: calculates an authentication code using the mapped identification value; and provides the authentication code to an authentication host upon request from the authentication host.