Timepiece Identification via Substrate Defect Photography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for traceability and authentication of timepieces in watchmaking face challenges, particularly in maintaining aesthetic appeal and resistance to wear, as visible marks require dismantling for verification and non-visible marks may be erased, while invisible marks on assembled products are difficult to authenticate without disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A method involving photography of unique manufacturing defects on a timepiece zone, transforming these into a unique code stored in a database, combined with a macroscopic identification mark on a non-visible area, allowing for rapid authentication without disassembly and ensuring robust identification even if the visible zone is damaged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a unique physical identifier (chip, barcode, etc.) is added to the outside of the timepiece, then authentication capability is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the identification function from external visible markers and relocates it to internal invisible markers (manufacturing defects and traces) that are naturally present on the timepiece components. This allows authentication without adding external aesthetic-damaging elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy (photograph) of the unique manufacturing defects and traces on the timepiece substrate. This optical copy serves as the authentication identifier, replacing the need for physical external tags or markers that would compromise aesthetics.
2Ease of operation
If the identification mark is placed on a visible part of the object, then authentication ease is improved, but resistance to wear and tear deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes manufacturing defects and traces that are created during the manufacturing process itself, before the timepiece is assembled or put into service. These inherent markers are established early and remain protected throughout the product lifecycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification markers are made from the same substrate material as the timepiece components themselves (e.g., metal traces on metal parts). This homogeneity ensures that the identifiers undergo the same wear and aging processes as the base material, maintaining their integrity and authenticity over time.
3Shape
If the identification mark cannot be seen on the assembled finished product, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but authentication complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex physical inspection methods (requiring disassembly and visual inspection of hidden marks) with optical photography and digital image processing. A standard photograph captured through the crystal can reveal the unique manufacturing traces, simplifying the authentication process while maintaining aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light and optical imaging as an intermediary between the hidden manufacturing traces and the authentication system. The photograph acts as a mediator that makes invisible internal markers visible and accessible for verification without requiring physical disassembly of the timepiece.
4Productivity
If a visible identification mark is used, then authentication speed is improved, but aesthetic appeal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the identification markers from the external surface dimension to the internal substrate dimension. By moving the markers inside the timepiece components (on the substrate) rather than on external surfaces, the system maintains aesthetic appeal while enabling rapid authentication through optical imaging of the internal traces.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for identifying a timepiece comprising a first component, for example the movement, and a second component, for example the casing. A photograph is taken of the first region of the first component of the timepiece with sufficient magnification that the marks and defects caused by the method of producing the timepiece, and particularly the marks and defects caused by the second component nesting in the first component, appear in or on the substrate of the first component in said first region. An identifying element (label, chemical or physical modification of the substrate) is applied in a second region of the second component of the timepiece. These marks or defects are transformed into a unique code by a suitable algorithm and said code is associated with at least one piece of information contained in the identifying element in order to form a unique and complete identifier of the object.