Tablet Embossed Code Structure for Secure Pharmaceutical Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for tracking and verifying pharmaceutical tablets are not secure, as they are not integral to the product and can be easily separated from packaging, leading to counterfeiting and authenticity issues, and existing solutions are not compatible with mass production processes or provide reliable, contactless verification.
Innovation Solution
A tablet with a combination of two three-dimensional structures on its surface or under an optically transparent coating, where the code structure is visible to the human eye and provides information about the tablet, and a smaller contrast structure enhances security and visibility, detectable by optical detection devices, ensuring authenticity verification without altering the production process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If track-and-trace features are applied to packages using labels or adhesive tags, then tracking capability is provided, but security is reduced because they are not integral to the product and can be easily separated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tracking code structure directly into the tablet compression process by embossing it onto the tablet surface during manufacturing. This integration ensures the code becomes an integral part of the tablet rather than a separate label, preventing separation and enhancing security while maintaining compatibility with existing manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses three-dimensional microrelief structures with varying depths to encode tracking information. By utilizing the depth dimension of the tablet surface, the system embeds multiple layers of information (visible code structure and smaller contrast structure at different depths) that can be detected by optical verification systems, providing secure tracking without adding manufacturing complexity
2Reliability
If holograms or optically variable inks are used on packages, then identification capability is improved, but security remains insufficient because they are not integral to the product
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines authentication features directly into the tablet by embossing code structures during compression. This eliminates the need for separate verification devices or complex optical systems, as the embossed code can be verified using simple optical detection methods, reducing device complexity while maintaining high authenticity verification capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a physical copy of the tracking code directly on the tablet surface through embossing. This physical embedding of the code structure ensures that the authentication information is permanently integrated into the product itself, making it impossible to separate or counterfeit without detection
3Reliability
If diffractive microrelief structures are applied to tablets, then security is improved, but manufacturing compatibility is reduced and the structures are sensitive to mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the code structure directly during the tablet compression process itself, before the tablet is complete. By embossing the code into the tablet matrix during manufacturing, the structure becomes permanently integrated and protected from mechanical stress, eliminating the sensitivity problems associated with surface-applied microrelief structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the code embossing step with the tablet compression process. The same compression force that forms the tablet also creates the embossed code structure, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing steps and ensuring full compatibility with existing manufacturing processes while providing robust security features
4Measurement precision
If visible diffractive microstructures covering large areas are used on tablets, then verification reliability is improved, but the tablet appearance is altered and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses depth variation in the embossed code structure to encode information, rather than relying on large-area surface patterns. The optical verification system detects the three-dimensional microrelief features at different depths, providing accurate verification with minimal surface area and simplified optics, reducing both verification system complexity and tablet appearance alteration
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 provides a secure, fast, and reliable method for tracking and tracing tablets through the supply chain, ensuring authenticity verification that is contactless and compatible with existing manufacturing processes, reducing counterfeiting risks and enhancing product security.
Implementation Method 1
an optical detection device for detecting the structure
Implementation Method 2
below an optically transparent coating
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a verification method for tracking and tracing tablets, particularly pharmaceutical tablets. It further relates to a visible secure marking or information that is a part of such tablet (10). The invention further relates to tablets suitable for such verification method, processes for manufacturing such tablets, and methods for reading the information.