Secure Product Authentication via Composite Code Marking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for marking and authenticating goods, such as tobacco products, are cumbersome and prone to counterfeiting, as they rely on production codes that can be time-consuming to interpret and easily imitated, compromising reliability and security.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the generation of secret codes, digital signing of ID codes, and marking manufactured items with signed codes, allowing for remote authentication and tracking through a checking center, using a system comprising a code generator, digital signor, and marker, with secure transmission and verification processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If production codes are impressed or printed on packages for identification and tracking, then the ability to identify production site and track trade chain is improved, but the codes can be easily imitated or cloned reducing security
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple identification elements into a composite code structure: a machine-readable production code containing production site and batch information, plus a human-readable verification code, plus covert optical markers (holograms, fluorescent materials, color-shifting inks). This composite approach ensures that while the machine-readable portion enables automated tracking, the additional layers provide anti-counterfeiting protection that is difficult to replicate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates optical variable materials that change appearance under different conditions: holographic elements that shift patterns when viewed from different angles, fluorescent materials that glow under UV light, and color-shifting inks that change hue with temperature or viewing angle. These color and optical changes provide immediate visual authentication that is difficult to counterfeit.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If covert taggant is added to printing ink to detect counterfeiting, then the ability to detect counterfeit items is improved, but the security depends entirely on controlling taggant sources and availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the marking system: the production code serves both as a tracking identifier for legitimate business purposes and as a base for authentication when combined with the verification code and optical markers. The verification code can be validated through multiple channels (telephone, internet, mobile app) without requiring specialized equipment, making the system universally accessible while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a centralized verification system (checking centre) that acts as an intermediary between manufacturers and consumers. This mediator receives verification code data, cross-references it with production records, and provides authentication results. This intermediary layer simplifies the control mechanism by centralizing taggant verification rather than requiring complex distributed control of taggant sources.
3Measurement precision
If every production code is recorded in a database and confidential data is transferred to central database for authentication, then authentication accuracy is improved, but the process becomes time-consuming and may jeopardize reliability and safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-generates verification codes at the time of production along with the production code, and pre-registers them in the checking centre database. This preliminary action ensures that when authentication is needed, the verification data is already in place and can be quickly validated without time-consuming data transfer or generation during the authentication moment itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the authentication system into independent segments: the production code portion for tracking, the verification code portion for authentication, and the optical markers for visual verification. Each segment can be validated independently through different channels (automated database check, telephone verification, visual inspection), allowing parallel processing that reduces overall authentication time while maintaining accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Manufactured goods are marked or labeled with a secure unique identifier. A central checking centre allows users to verify the authenticity of a particular good such as a cigarette pack or carton via any convenient interface such as the internet or a cell phone. A system of secret sharing allows secure authentication of each item and prevents code breaking or misuse.