Smart Card Security Markings Module Body
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart cards with visible electronic modules are vulnerable to fraud through extraction and transfer of the module to another card, as existing security measures such as colored contacts or laser engraving are not effective in preventing identity fraud, and contactless cards face similar security flaws due to embedded modules being easily removable.
Innovation Solution
A smart card design featuring dual security markings, one on the microelectronic module and one on the card body, with an identity relationship or visual complementarity, making it difficult to transfer the module to another card without altering the marking correspondence, which can be visible to the naked eye or detectable by x-ray radiography, ensuring the module and card body are original components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the electronic module is embedded in the card body, then the module is protected from physical damage, but the module can be extracted and transferred to another card for fraud
Solution Approach 1:
The security marking is divided into two separate parts: a first marking on the card body and a second marking on the module. These segmented markings must align or correspond to each other, creating a security system where the module and card body are inextricably linked and cannot be separated without detection.
2Shape
If colored particles are applied to contacts, then visual appearance is improved, but the contacts remain electrically accessible for fraud
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediate layer is introduced between the contacts and the external environment. This layer contains colored particles for visual appearance while simultaneously providing electrical insulation, preventing direct electrical access to the contacts while maintaining their visual integration with the card design.
3Reliability
If laser engraving is applied to contacts, then security marking is enhanced, but metalization degrades causing microoxidations
Solution Approach 1:
The security marking function is extracted from the electrical contacts and relocated to dedicated marking areas on both the card body and module. This separation allows security markings to be applied without degrading the electrical properties of the contacts, eliminating the microoxidation problem while maintaining security.
4Reliability
If security markings are made invisible to naked eye, then security is enhanced, but detection requires sophisticated tools
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the security marking system have different properties: the first marking on the card body is visible to the naked eye for initial verification, while the second marking on the module can be invisible or require specific conditions to reveal. This local differentiation allows for both easy initial detection and enhanced security against sophisticated counterfeiting.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a smart card comprising a card body provided with a cavity in which an electronic module incorporating a microelectronic chip is inserted, and at least one security marking designed to authenticate a component of the smart card. A first security marking is disposed on the microelectronic module, and a second security marking is disposed on the card body. The two security markings are linked by a visual identity or matching relationship indicating that the microelectronic module and the card body are original components assembled when the smart card was manufactured.