Wavelength-Selective Ink Coating for Secure Object Authentication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for marking objects with identifying or authenticating marks often require additional steps, can damage the object, and are susceptible to counterfeiting due to static placement, increasing production costs and time.
Innovation Solution
An ink coating with differential visibility properties, comprising a combination of opaque and transparent inks that obscure or reveal indicia based on light wavelength, providing an innate moving target and encrypted information to prevent counterfeiting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current techniques are used to mark objects with identifying or authenticating marks, then the object can be identified or authenticated, but additional production steps are required and the object may be substantially destroyed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the identifying mark application with the existing packaging or labeling process. The ink coating is applied during normal production operations rather than as a separate post-processing step, thereby integrating authentication functionality into the existing workflow without adding dedicated production steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The identifying mark is incorporated into the packaging or label during the initial production process. By preparing the authentication feature in advance as part of the packaging process, the need for separate authentication marking steps is eliminated, improving production efficiency while maintaining authentication reliability.
2Reliability
If current techniques are used to mark objects with identifying or authenticating marks, then the object can be identified or authenticated, but the object may be substantially destroyed upon which the mark is placed
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of directly marking or altering the object itself, the patent uses a packaging or label that contains the identifying mark. The authentication information is copied onto the packaging material rather than being permanently applied to the object, thus avoiding damage to the object while maintaining authentication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces packaging or labeling material as an intermediary between the authentication system and the object. The identifying mark is applied to this intermediary medium rather than directly to the object, preventing direct contact and potential damage to the object while still enabling reliable authentication.
3Measurement precision
If static placement of identifying or authenticating marks is used, then the mark can be clearly identified, but the mark becomes susceptible to facile detection and reproduction by potential counterfeiters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic positioning of identifying marks within the packaging or label structure. Rather than using fixed, predictable locations, the marks are placed at variable positions that can change between production batches or individual items. This dynamic placement maintains clear identification capability while significantly increasing difficulty for counterfeiters attempting to replicate the marks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent varies parameters such as the position, orientation, or configuration of identifying marks within the packaging or label. By changing these parameters across different production runs or individual items, the system maintains accurate mark identification while creating an innate moving target that resists counterfeit reproduction efforts.
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 ink coating allows for secure and cost-effective authentication without additional production steps, offering a dynamic and secure method to identify and authenticate objects by changing visibility based on light exposure, thus deterring counterfeiting.
Implementation Method 1
The ink layer obscures the portion when exposed to light within a predetermined wavelength range, and the ink layer reveals a predetermined area of the portion when exposed to light outside of the predetermined wavelength range
Data Source
AI summary
A coating for an object having identifying indicia disposed thereon. An ink layer contacts at least a portion of the identifying indicia. The ink layer obscures the portion when exposed to light within a predetermined wavelength range, and the ink layer reveals a predetermined area of the portion when exposed to light outside of the predetermined wavelength range.