Multi-Wavelength UV Security Marking for Authenticity Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional UV marking systems are vulnerable to alteration and lack uniqueness, making it difficult to verify the authenticity and origin of markings.
Innovation Solution
A security marking system using multiple UV pigments that fluoresce at different wavelengths, forming a readable code under UV lighting, combined with molecular imprinted polymers and unique identifier molecules, to provide a unique and tamper-proof mark.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional UV marker pens are used to mark valuables, then the marking is visible and identifiable under UV light, but the marking can be easily altered or overwritten and authenticity cannot be verified
Solution Approach 1:
The marking system is divided into multiple distinct marker portions (at least two), each containing different fluorescent compounds that emit at different wavelengths. This segmentation allows each portion to be independently verified while collectively providing enhanced authentication, resolving the contradiction by making the system more reliable through division rather than requiring a single complex marker
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite fluorescent materials where multiple different compounds (such as fluorophores with distinct emission spectra) are combined in separate marker portions. This composite approach enables verification of authenticity through wavelength analysis while maintaining the simplicity of fluorescent marking, thus improving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity
2Loss of information
If UV ink is used for marking, then the marking is transparent under normal lighting and visible under UV light, but the marking lacks uniqueness and cannot prove when, where and by whom it was made
Solution Approach 1:
Different marker portions are assigned distinct fluorescent properties (different emission wavelengths) creating local quality variations within the overall marking system. This allows each portion to carry specific information about the marking's origin and application, enabling verification of when, where, and by whom the marking was made while maintaining ease of application through simple fluorescent marking techniques
3Reliability
If multiple UV pigments with different wavelengths are used to form a readable code, then the system can verify authenticity and origin, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention exploits fluorescence emission wavelength differences (analogous to color changes) where different compounds emit at distinct wavelengths when excited by UV light. This natural optical property allows multiple marker portions to be differentiated and verified without requiring complex additional components, thus improving authenticity verification while minimizing increases in system complexity
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 system offers a cost-effective, efficient, and reliable method to verify authenticity and origin, enhancing prosecution chances by providing a unique, easily identifiable mark that can be analyzed for confirmation.
Implementation Method 1
the compounds that fluoresce under UV light are ultraviolet pigments. Further typically the UV pigments fluoresce at different wavelengths or fluoresce different colours on exposure to the UV light
Data Source
AI summary
A security or identification system including the application of two or more marker portions that include one or more compounds or mixture of compounds that fluoresce under exposure to electromagnetic radiation. The marker portions emit light at different wavelengths to each other when exposed to said electromagnetic radiation.