Identification element, inquiry device, and inquiry method

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cards such as security cards and ID cards require improved anti-counterfeit properties without compromising their appearance, and authentication systems need enhanced safety without complexity.

Innovation Solution

An identification element with a thermosensitive recording medium having unique physical features and a thermosensitive recording layer, combined with a detector and signal processing unit to enhance authentication safety and anti-counterfeit measures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional authentication methods are used, then the authentication system is simple, but the anti-counterfeit property is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-counterfeit propertyVSAvoidauthentication system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs thermosensitive recording media that change color or optical properties in response to thermal stimuli. This allows the card to display different visual states under different conditions, providing an intuitive anti-counterfeit mechanism that does not require complex electronic components or authentication systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes changes in physical parameters (such as optical properties, color, or thermal response) of the thermosensitive recording medium to encode authentication information. These parameter changes provide verifiable anti-counterfeit characteristics while maintaining system simplicity, as the changes can be detected by basic optical or thermal sensors rather than complex verification systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If thermosensitive recording medium with unique physical features is added, then anti-counterfeit protection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication safetyVSAvoididentification element structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The thermosensitive recording medium serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the authentication element with unique physical features and the information storage medium. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate components for authentication and data storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite thermosensitive recording media that integrate multiple functional layers or materials with different properties. These composite structures provide unique physical features for authentication while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be manufactured as a single integrated component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 robust anti-counterfeit protection and secure authentication by utilizing unique physical features and thermosensitive recording technology, ensuring reliable identification and verification.

Implementation Method 1

a thermosensitive recording medium provided with one or a plurality of layers on a support substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermosensitive recording: Thermochromism

Data Source

PatentEP4725714A1Identification element, inquiry device, and inquiry method
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP4725714A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4725714A1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP4725714A1 patent drawingFigure 7

AI summary

An identification element according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a thermosensitive recording medium provided with one or a plurality of layers on a support substrate. An identification region having a unique physical feature is provided in at least a portion of the thermosensitive recording medium.