Tamper-Evident Holder with Nondetachable Digital Storage for Collectible Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current authentication and certification systems for collectibles, such as coins, stamps, and baseball cards, are vulnerable to deceptive practices and lack the ability to provide comprehensive digital information for authentication and marketing purposes, with existing holders being small and unable to accommodate detailed data storage.
Innovation Solution
A protective holder with a nondetachably secured data storage device, compatible with standard computer systems, that stores digital images and additional information about the collectible, including unique characteristics and historical data, while resisting disassembly and providing secure access to authentication data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a standard barcode and minimal data storage are used in the holder, then the holder remains small and portable, but the holder cannot store comprehensive authentication data and digital images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from storing only minimal data on a 2D barcode label to storing comprehensive authentication data, digital images, and detailed information in a digital database accessible via the holder's identification number. This dimensional shift from physical label space to digital storage space resolves the contradiction between small holder size and comprehensive data storage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary digital database system that stores comprehensive authentication data and images, which can be accessed through the holder's identification number. This intermediary system allows the physical holder to remain small while providing access to extensive authentication information through computer systems and the internet.
2Reliability
If a tamper resistant holder is used, then the collectable object is protected from damage, but the holder can still be deceptively switched with another holder containing a different collectable object
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the authentication system verifies the collectable object against the data stored in the digital database associated with the holder's identification number. This feedback loop allows users to confirm that the physical object matches the authenticated data, preventing deceptive switching fraud while maintaining the protective benefits of the tamper resistant holder.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary authentication and creates a digital record of the collectable object's characteristics before the holder can be used. This preliminary action establishes an authentic reference that can be later verified, preventing fraudulent switching by providing a means to confirm the original object's identity.
3Area of stationary object
If minimal marking space is provided on the holder label, then the holder remains portable and compact, but additional authentication information and digital images cannot be displayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical system of printing all authentication data and images directly on the holder label with an electronic/digital system. The holder label contains only an identification number that provides access to a digital database storing comprehensive authentication information, images, and marketing data, which can be retrieved and displayed on computer systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A protection, authentication, identification device for a collectable object is described. The device comprises a holder formed for assembly with at least one collectable object to provide protection and preservation of said collectable object. The holder is further formed to resist disassembly and separation with the collectable object, once it is assembled. The protection, authentication, identification device also comprises a data storage device which comprises data of at least one stored digital image of the collectable object. The data storage device is nondetachably secured to the protection, authentication, identification device. And, the data storage device is compatible with a standard computer system for display and inspection of the digital image of the collectable object by a user to aid the user in the authentication of the collectable object. In some embodiments, for example, the collectable object is a coin.