Token Authentication Using Invisible Ink Wavelength Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional authentication systems that rely on physical features of tokens, such as watermarks or color-changing ink, can be easily copied by malicious actors, as these features are noticeable to the human eye and can be replicated, thus failing to provide adequate security against sophisticated counterfeiting.
Innovation Solution
The use of tailored-wavelength-range coded patterns, steganographic images, and invisible-ink-printed patterns, which are invisible to the naked eye but detectable using specific wavelengths of light, to create authentication codes that remain undetectable in photocopies, thereby preventing unauthorized token duplication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional security features (watermarks, color-changing ink) are added to tokens, then token security is improved, but these features become noticeable to the naked eye and can be copied by malicious actors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visible mechanical/security features with invisible optical patterns that require specific wavelength detection. Instead of relying on human-visible security features like watermarks and color-changing ink, the system uses invisible ink patterns detectable only by authentication systems using specific light wavelengths, thereby preventing copying while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from human visible spectrum to specific infrared or ultraviolet wavelengths. By encoding authentication patterns in invisible ink that responds to specific wavelength ranges, the system makes the security features undetectable to human eyes and typical photocopiers, yet easily verifiable by authentication systems using appropriate light sources.
2Measurement precision
If invisible-ink-printed patterns are used for authentication codes, then photocopy detection accuracy is improved, but the patterns become undetectable to the naked eye
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes human visual detection with optical detection systems using specific wavelength light sources. Authentication patterns are printed in invisible ink that does not reflect visible light, making them invisible to the naked eye, but the patterns strongly reflect or absorb specific wavelengths (infrared or ultraviolet), enabling precise detection by authentication systems equipped with appropriate sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent shifts the detection parameter from the visible spectrum to non-visible wavelength ranges. By using invisible ink with specific optical properties at infrared or ultraviolet wavelengths, the system achieves high detection precision for photocopy verification while maintaining invisibility to human observers, thus preventing visual assessment of pattern quality by malicious actors.
3Reliability
If multiple wavelength ranges are used for coded patterns, then authentication security is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the authentication code across multiple wavelength ranges, with each wavelength encoding a portion of the authentication information. This segmentation increases security because copying one wavelength range does not compromise the entire authentication code, and the authentication system can verify multiple independent patterns to confirm token validity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional authentication system where a single token contains patterns detectable at multiple wavelength ranges. The token serves multiple authentication functions simultaneously, with each wavelength range providing an additional layer of verification, thereby increasing security without requiring multiple separate authentication systems.
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
This solution significantly enhances token security by ensuring that fake tokens created from photocopies lack the invisible ink patterns, making them identifiable as invalid, thus preventing fraudulent activities.
Implementation Method 1
invisible-ink-printed patterns (e.g., infrared printed patterns, near-infrared (NIR) printed patterns, ultraviolet printed patterns)
Implementation Method 2
infrared printed patterns, near-infrared (NIR) printed patterns
Implementation Method 3
ultraviolet printed patterns
Data Source
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Figure 3A
AI summary
In some embodiments, an authentication system may be configured to process one or more tokens that incorporates one or more tailored-wavelength-range coded patterns, codes represented within a steganographic image, or "overlapping" codes. As an example, such a token may include (i) one or more invisible-ink-printed patterns printed using infrared ink corresponding to different tailored wavelength ranges within the infrared light spectrum, (ii) one or more steganographic images in which invisible-ink-printed patterns are interweaved within the steganographic images, (iii) visible-ink-printed patterns and invisible-ink-printed patterns printed substantially within the visible ink portions of the visible-ink-printed patterns, or (iv) other features, where the invisible-ink-printed patterns correspond to one or more authentication codes or other data for token authentication.