WO2015077471A1

WO2015077471A1 - Physically unclonable functions via additive manufacturing

Info

Publication number: WO2015077471A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/066656
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas A. Campbell; Christopher B. Williams; Olga Sergeevna IVANOVA; Amelia McDow ELLIOTT
Original assignee: Campbell Thomas A; Williams Christopher B; Ivanova Olga Sergeevna; Elliott Amelia Mcdow
Priority date: 2013-11-21
Filing date: 2014-11-20
Publication date: 2015-05-28

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device and method for providing an anti-counterfeiting device. The device has anti-counterfeit indicia having three-dimensional characteristics. The device includes a substrate having a plurality of layers. Each of the layers being a combination of detectable and matrix materials that form non-repeating disorder patterns as a result of being randomly distributed in the x, y and z planes.

Description

TITLE

PHYSICALLY UNCLONABLE FUNCTIONS VIA ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[000 TJ This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisions! Application No. 61 /906,927, filed November 2 L 2013.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable.

INCORPORATIO BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

[0003] Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] There is an increasing need to protect products, spare parts, highly desirable branded goods, electronics, pharmaceuticals and other objects and things from being counterfeited. Not only does counterfeiting cause tremendous financial losses, counterfeiting and detection of the counterfeits is an age old problem and, like encryption and decryption, will always continue to evolve along with new technologies concerning counterfeiting and detection methods.

[0005] Counterfeiting is enabled by the availability of enhanced technology that allows a counterfeiter to mass-produce and distribute authentic looking products and packaging. The availability of sophisticaied digital equipment like photo-quality scanners and three-dimensional (3D) printers helps the counterfeiter produce nearly identical copies of a legitimate company's packaging, documentation, logos, or labels for their counterfeit products, thereby effectively camouflaging what may very well be a substandard product.

[0006] Various methods have been attempted to combat counterfeiting. Most methods to reduce counterfeiting utilize identifying two-dimensional indicia used with labels on the product or attached to product packages. The indicia used in the past have included either ultraviolet or infrared readable inks applied to labels or product packaging. Such inks usually require special equipment for detection. Holographic images have also been applied to predetermined, portions of the packaging or to the item itself. Other methods include using RFID, and chemical and physical analytical tests. [0007] Other methods include permanently etching, machining, or stamping products with identifying indicia, such as with part numbers, trademarks and inventory numbers, Again, these indicia of origin are also easily reproducible.

[0008] In addition, the anti-counierfeiting device also needs to be compatible with the underlying device. Moreover, the anti -counterfeiting device cannot detract from the appearance or value of the product to be protected.

[0009] Thus, a product identification, verification and authentication method is needed that may permanently be included on goods, and that allows for inexpensive and simple identification and verificatio of thai good. The product identification_* verification and authentication method must be one that is not readily detectable by counterfeiters, and further must be one that is not readily copied by counterfeiters.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[00010] In one embodiment, the present invention provides an anti-counterfeit device with three-dimensional characteristics. The device may .include a substrate having one or more layers and each layer may be a combination of detectable and matrix materials,

[0001 1] in other embodiments, each of the layers may have differing combinations of detectable and matrix .materials. Each layer may also have one or more different detectable materials and one or more predetermined patterns of detectable materials. The different patterns of detectable materials may further be distributed in the x, y and z planes to form three-dimensional patterns, [00012] in other embodiments, the device includes layers that are one molecule or more in thickness. The detectable material or materials may be quantum dots, radioactive materials, nano- or microparticles such as polyethylene microsphere, magnetic uanoparticles, silica or latex particles. Further embodiments provide one or more detectable materials that are responsive to forces or stimuli such as electromagnetic spectra, photon, radiation, heat, magnetism, electricity, chemical, mechanical, acoustics, or vibration.

[00013] Another embodiment provides an anti-counterfeit device with three-dimensional characteristics that includes a substrate having one or more openings therein. Each opening defines a space, opening, aperture or well having predetermined three-dimensional pattern or characteristic. In addition, one or more detectable materials are included in each opening.

[00014] In other embodiments, the present invention provides a device having a substrate that is comprised of one or more layers. Each layer may have at least one opening having predetermined dimensions. Other embodiments include at least two openings having different dimensions. [00015] Other embodiments of the present invention provide a device wherein at least fifty percent of the openings have different dimensions, wherein at least seventy-five percent of the openings have different dimensions, or all of the openings have different dimensions. Each opening may have therein differing combinations of detectable and .matrix materials. Each opening may also include a plurality of detectable materials. Each opening may also include one or more different detectable materials therein. The materials may also be distributed in combination with matrix materials in the x, y and z planes in each opening..

[00016] Other embodiments of the invention include methods of making an anti -counterfeit device with three-dimensional characteristics in accordance with one or more of the embodiments described above. Methods of manufacture may include, but are not limited to, additive manufacturing, casting, injection molding, sub-tractive manufacturing, sheet forming, pressing, crystal growth, deposition, lithography, sintering, lathing, easting or 3D printing as well as other methods thai add dimensional layers.

[00017] Embodiments of the present invention can comprise a system for fabricating unique identifiers for anti -counterfeiting devices. These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIO OF THE SE VERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[00018] In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe substantially similar components throughout the several views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent different instances of substantially similar components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, a detailed description of certain embodiments discussed in the present document.

[0001.9] Figure 1A is a front image of an embodiment of the present invention subjected to visible light.

[000.20] Figure I B is a perspective image of the embodiment shown, in Figure LA.

[00021 ] Figure 1.C is another perspective image of the embodiment shown in Figure .1 A .

[00022] Figure 2 is a top view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[00023] Figure 3 is a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 2.

[000.24] Figure 4 is a top view of an embodiment of the presen invention.

[00025] Figure 5 is a top view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[00026] Figures 6A-6.B are side views of embodiments of the present invention.

[00027] Figure 7 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention. [00028] Figure 8 is a top view of an embodiment of die present invention, which is -partially constructed.

[00029] Figure 9 is a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 8.

[00030] Figure 1.0 is a top view of the embodiment shown in Figure 8 illustrating the construction of the device after removal of material.

[00031] Figure 1 1 is a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 10.

[00032] Figure 12 is a top view of the embodiment shown in Figure 8 illustrating the construction of the device with the addition of a detectable -material,

[00033] Figure 13 is a side view of the embodiment shown in figure 12.

[00034] Figure 14 iliustrates the curing of the embodiment shown in Figure 8.

[00035] Figure 15 is a top view of the embodiment shown in Figure 8 illustrating a completed. layer.

[00036] Figure 16 is a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 15.

[00037] Figure 17 is an image of the embodiment shown in Figure 1A that ha been subjected to UV -light which illuminates the embedded detectable materials to reveal the unique signature of the device,

[00038] Figures I SA- I SP are fluorescence microscopy images for a channel depth of 700 um taken at magnification for increasing concentrations of detectable and with encircling indicating embedded detectable materials.

[00039] Figures 1 A- 19S are fluorescence microscopy images of 700 um channel filled with 0.005% QD nanosuspension under various exposure times, as indicated at a scale of 500 um.

[00040] Figures 20A-20C are fluorescence microscopy images of 700 um channel .filled with 0.005% QD nanosuspension under the indicated magnifications with encircling indicating embedded detectable materials.

[00041 ] Figure 2.1 is a top view of another embodiment of the present in vention.

[00042] Figure 22 is a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 21.

[00043] Figure 23 is an exploded top view of die embodiment shown in Figure 2.1.

[ 00044] Figure 24 illustrates a printing system of one embodiment of the present invention.

[00045] Figure 25 illustrates a binder system that may be used with an embodiment of the resent invention.

[00046] Figure 26 iliustrates aiiother binder system that may be used with an embodiment of the present invention. [00047] Figure 27 illustrates die steps that ma be taken to create some embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[00048] Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which ma be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merel as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed .method, structure or system. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention,

[00049] In some embodiments, the present invention provides a unique anti-counterfeiting device that incorporates features that render the device nearly incapable of being cloned. The device uses a disordered physical system for indicia that creates a unique signature associated with the device that is revealed by an external stimuli upon which it reacts. The disorder may extend throughout the device or it may be included in features, segments or select areas of the device. Thus, in one embodiment, the present invention provides as anti-counterfeiting device that i a device having a unique signature, profile or other characteristic.

[00050] Contrary to standard digital systems, some embodiments of the present invention use nanoscale stmeturai disorder that cannot be cloned or reproduced exactly, not even by its original manufacturer. Thus, each device is unique from any other device, hi addition, the nanoscale nature of the devices make some embodiments particularly suitable as labels to be affixed to articles or products to be protected, as well, as for incorporation into the article itself.

[00051 ] As shown in Figures 1A C and 2-3, one embodiment, of the present invention provides an anti-counterfeit device 100, with three-dimensional characteristics comprising a. substrate 102 having a plurality of openings 110-127. As tor the embodiment shown, each opening has predetermined dimensions in the x and y planes. In a preferred embodiment, the substrate 1.0.2 is 40 mm by 25 mm and each opening may be uniformly distributed and have dimensions that, are 3 mm by 4 mm.

[00052] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the openings may be arranged in rows 107-1.09. The depth of each opening may increase from row to row. in a preferred embodiment, substrate 102 has a depth of 1.5 mm and the rows have a depth ranging from 0.05 mm for row 107, 0.35 mm for row 1.08 and 0.70 mm for row 109. Additionally, as shown in Figure 4, in substrate 202 openings 210-213 differ in the x and y planes and are non-repeating. As shown in figure 5, in substrate 232 openings 220-223 differ in the x and y planes and form non-repeating pairs. In other embodiments of the invention, at least two openings have different dimensions. In other embodiments, at least fifty percent of the openings have different dimensions. In yet other embodiments, at least seventy-five percent of the openings have different dimensions or no openings have the same dimensions,

[00053] As shown i Figures 6A-6B, the depth of the openings 250-255 (z plane) and the location in the substrate 102 may vary. As further shown in Figure 7, device 700 may be comprised of multiple layers 702-704. As shown, this particular embodiment includes a plurality of layers of the configurations shown in Figures 2 and 3. In other embodiments the multiple layers may be comprised of the variants described above and have n-layer as desired.

[00054] In yet other embodiments, the concentration of detectable material in each opening is not uniform. It may gradually increase in concentration along a row or it may be different in one or more openings. In other embodiments, at least fifty percent of the openings have different concentrations of detectable materials, in yet other embodiments, at least seventy-five percent of the openings have different concentrations of detectable materials or no openings have the same concentrations of detectable materials.

[00055] Each opening may also be Oiled with one or more detectable materials that respond to an external stimulus. A. preferred material to use in the openings is a matrix material combined with quantum dots. A preferred quantum dot material is cadmium selenide. A preferred matrix material may be binder that is clear in appearance. Detectable materials are not limited to quantum dots and may include any materials that respond to a stimulus in a known or repeatable manner. Other suitable materials include, but are not limited to, nanospheres, nanomaterials, microspheres, radioactive materials, polyethylene microspheres, magnetic particles, silica particles, or latex particles. In addition, suitable detectable materials include materials that are responsive to electromagnetic spectra, photons, radiation, heat, magnetism, electricity, chemical stimulus, mechanical stimulus, acoustics, or vibration. Other embodiments use differing combinations of detectable materials in the openings.

[00056] Configuring the ami-counterfeiting device to have had a wide range of design variables imbues the device with a disordered physical arrangement in which a detectable material is embedded. The device is then subjected to an external stimulus, which causes the detectable materials to react creating a recordable, unique signature for the device as a result of the disordered nature of the design. After the unique signature is mapped, it may be stored and later used to validate the authenticity of the device and the article to which it is associated. [00057] hi a preferred embodiment, the anti-counterfeiting device signals or images may be sent to a cloud-based server. The cryptographic key may be accessed within this cloud-based server and compared to the raw signal from the anti-counterfeiting device. If there is a match within a previously determined margin of error, the device may be considered authentic.

[00058] In one preferred embodiment using quantum dots, as shown in Figures 8-16, device 800 may be constructed by first forming substrate 802 which may be composed of a first material 804 and one or more removable or sacrificial materials 806. Upon removal of material 806, as shown in Figures 10-1 1 , openings 818-820 are formed which may be configured as described above. As shown in Figures 12-13, the one or more openings 818-820 are filled with the detectable quantum dot material 825-827 i accordance with the above disclosure.

[00059] As shown in Figure 14, the material may be cured with UV light source 860. As shown in Figures 15-16, the above steps may be repeated to form one or more layer 870 as also described above.

[00060] As shown in Figures 1 A-I C, the device when subject to regular Sight, the quantum dots are not visible. However, when the device is subject to UV light as the stimulus, the quantum dots are visible. Figure 18A- S F depicts fluorescence microscopy images for the channel depth of 700 um taken at magnification - 5x, exposure - 100 ins, gain - 2, and intensity - 5. (a) 0 wt. , (b) 0.005 wt%, (c) 0.05 wt.%, (d) 0.1 wt.%. (e) 0.5 wt.%. and (f) 2 wt.%. Circles 900-903 indicate quantum dots. Figures 19A-19J show fluorescence microscopy images of 700 um channel filled with 0.005% quantum dot nanosuspension under various exposure times, as indicated, with a scale equal to 500 um. Figures 20A-20C show fluorescence microscopy images of 700 um channel, filled with. 0.005% quantum dots nanosuspension under various magnifications, as indicated and with the quantum dots encircled.

[00061] As shown in Figures 21-23, another embodiment of the present invention provides an anti-counterfeit device 1000 with three-dimensional characteristics. Device .1000 includes one or more layers 1003-1006. Layer 1003 acts as a protective cap and layer 1006 serves as a base which may have adhesive section 1 07 for affixing device .1000 to an object

[00062] While two layers 1004 and 1005 are shown as having detectable materials 1010- 1020, one or more layers may be used and the two-layer embodiment is but one example of an anti- counterfeiting device that may be assembled in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

[00063] As shown, layers 1004 and 1005 include detectable materials 1010-1020 and matrix materials 1030 and 1031. The matrix material may be clear in composition. As shown, each of the layers has a di ffering three-dimensional combination of detectable and matrix materials. This is the result of each portion or section of detectable material having different dimensions in the x, y and z planes. For example, detectable material 1012 in layer 1005, as shown in Figure 22, provides a different three-dimensional pattern in the x, y and z planes than the three-dimensional pattern formed by detectable material portion 1020.

[00064] As further shown, non-repeating three-dimensional patterns may be created. Detectable materials 1010, 1012, 1015, 1017 and 1020 in layer 1005 form different three-dimensional patterns of detectable material as a result of the materia! being located in different x, y and z planes. Moreover, three-dimensional patterns 1010, 1012, 1015. 1017 and 1020 in layer 1005 form different patterns than the patterns formed by detectable material sections 101 1 , 1013, 1014, 1016, 1018 and 1019 in layer 1004.

[00065] Not only does device 1000 include one or more layers of detectable materials, each layer may include different detectable materials having different identifying signatures. For example section 1012 may be comprised of a quantum dot while section 1020 maty be comprised of a magnetic particle. In some embodiments, each layer may be one molecule or more in thickness. In addition, the detectable material that may be used is a quantum dot, nanosphere, nano aierial, microsphere, radioactive material, polyethylene microsphere, magnetic particle, silica particle, or latex particle. Alternately, Che detectable material may be a material that is responsive to forces or stimuli such as electromagnetic spectra, photon, radiation, heat, magnetism, electricity, chemical, mechanical, acoustics, or vibration.

[00066] As will be described in more detail below, in some embodiments of the present invention, the anti-eounterfeiting device may be constructed for use as a label. In other embodiments of the present invention, the anti -counterfeiting device may be constructed to form part of the article to be protected. For example, additive manufacturing (AM) may be used to manufacture the ai i-eounterfeiting devices of the present invention, AM generally pertains to technologies that tabricate artifacts through the successive creation of the parts' cross-sectional layers. Many AM technologies have principal solutions ranging from, using a UV laser to cure resin, to precisely extruding a heated polymer filament for the machines' common primary function: to form layers by die selective placement (or forming) of solid material. Due to this layer-by-layer fabrication process, AM allows anti-counterfeiting device to be created with geometrically complex configurations, and with designed topologies and structures, that cannot be fabricated by any other means. [00067] As shown in Figure 24-26, one technique for creating the anti-counterfeiting devices of the present invention involves using indirect three-dimensional printing (3DP) which is an AM process wherein devices are created by printing a polymeric binder. As shown, printing system 1 100 includes a binder supply 1 102, build device 1 104 located in chamber 1 105. print head ί 106, roller 1 108, powder feed piston H 10 and build piston 1 1 12. As shown, binder enters the powder bed and is applied to build object 1 104 by print head 1 106, A roller 1 108 is used to a id a new layer of powder at the desired thickness onto the previously printed layer. Excess powder from this recoating process is caught into an overflow container for reuse. This layer-by- layer fabrication process affords the creation of geometrically complex parts that cannot be made by any other means. This technology ca be adapted to fabricate devices using powder particles comprised of a polymer 1 130 and deteciable materials which may be combined to form solid clumps or aggregates 1 140. The solids stitch together to form a cross-sectional layer device. In addition, nanopartieies can be introduced in the powder system by using nanosiispension 1 150 thai interacts with itself either through mixing or through a spray-drying process, to form an aggregate 1 152 as shown in Figure 26. Lastly, an adhesive layer may be added to allow for the fixation of the device to an object to be protected. Alternately, the device may be built into the structure of the device itself.

[00068] In yet another preferred embodiment, the additive manufacturing system includes at least one CAD system and controller configured to receive instructions for printing the device from the CAD system. The controller may be further configured t relay commands relating to the received instructions. The controller may be one or more computer- based controllers for operating the printing system. Accordingly, the controller may monitor and direct the operation of the component of the system with the use of sensors (e.g., thermocouples) and process control loops. In particular, a controller may receive printing instructions and send commands to one or more components of the system such as a print head 11.06.

[00069] The system also includes one or more print heads, 1 1 6, in signal communication with at least one controller, the one or more print heads being configured to receive at least a portion of the one or more detectable materials and matrix materials. Print head 1 106 typically operates in the x and y planes by the use of gantries. Build piston 1 1 12, which may also be in communication with a controller, typically moves the device in the z-pla.ee,

[00070] As shown in Figure 27, an overall process for making and using the embodiments of the present invention include at step 1 198 using the CAD system to provide a digital representation of the device to the controller, from which the extrusion pattern for the print head Π06 is determined. At step, 1.199, print bead .1 106, the roller and other components of the system such as build piston 1 1 12 are managed by the controller. The controller may be any suitable computer system for receiving data from the CAD system and directing deposition and pattern creation of step 1200 through the embedding of a detectable material as described above, in step 1201 , the detectable materials are excited or subjected to a stimulus to which the detectable material is responsive. In step 1202, the response, which is the unique signature of the device, is mapped and then stored in step 1203. The signature may be stored o one or more servers as known to those of skill in the art.

[00071 ] To validate the authenticity of the article, the detectable materials in the device are again excited or subjected to a stimulus to which the detectable material is responsive as set forth in step 1204. A handheld device or some other portable device preferably performs this step. In step 1205, the detected unique signature is compared with the stored signature associated with the device for validation.

While the foregoing written description enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The disclosure should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiments, methods, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1 , An anti-counterfeit device with three-dimensional characteristics, comprising:

a substrate having a plurality of layers;

each of said layers being a combination of detectable and matrix materials; and

each of said layers having a differing combination of detectable and matrix materials.

2, The device of claim 1 wherein each of said layers includes a plurality of different delectable materials.

3, The device of claim 1 wherein each of said layers includes a plurality of different detectable materials, said materials distributed in the x, y and z planes,

4, The device of claim i wherein each of said layers is one molecule or more in thickness.

5, The device of claim 1 wherem said detectable material is a quantum dot, nanosphere, nanomaterial, microsphere, radioactive material, polyethylene microsphere, magnetic particle, silica particle, or latex particle,

6, The device of claim 1 wherein said detectable material is responsive to electromagnetic spectra, photon, radiation, heat, magnetism, electricity, chemical, mechanical, acoustics, or vibration.

7, An anti-counterfeit device with three-dimensional characteristics, comprising:

substrate having a plurality of openings therein;

each opening defining a predetermined space having a predetermined dimension; and

one or more detectable materials within each opening.

8, The device of claim 7 wherein said substrate is comprised of a plurality of layers, each of said layers having a plurality of openings defining a predetermined space having a predetermined dimension ,

9, The device of claim 7 wherein at least two openings have different dimensions.

10. The device of claim 7 wherein at least fifty percent of said openings have different dimensions.

1 1. The device of claim 7 wherein at least seventy- five percent of said openings have different dimensions.

12. The device of claim 7 wherein said openings have different combinations of detectable and matrix materials,

13. The device of claim. 7 wherein each opening includes a plurality of different detectable materials.

14. The device of claim 7 wherein each opening includes a plurality of different detectable materials in each opening, said materials distributed in combination with matrix materials in the x, y and z planes in said opening.

15. A method of making an ami -counterfeit device with three-dimensional characteristics, comprising the steps of:

creating a substrate having a plurality of layers; and

creating each layer by using a combination of matrix and detectable materials and varying the composition of the matrix and detectable materials.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein each layer includes a plurality of different detectable materials.

17. The method of claim 15 wherein each layer includes a plurality of different detectable materials, said materials distributed in the x, y and /. planes.

18. The method of claim 15 wherein each layer is one molecule or more i n thickness, 1 . The method of claim 1.5 wherein said detectable material is quantum dot, n.anosphere, nanomaterial, microsphere, radioactive material, polyethylene microsphere, magnetic particle, silica particle, or latex particle.

20. The method of claim 15 wherein said detectable materia! is responsive to electromagnetic spectra, photons, radiation, heat, magnetism_* electricity, chemical, mechanical, acoustic, or vibration.

21. The method of claim 15 wherein said device is made by additive manufacturing, casting, injection molding, subtractive manufacturing, sheet forming, pressing, crystal growth, deposition, stereoiithography, sintering, lathing, casting or 3D printing.