There is described a method of reading an optically readable security element by an image capturing device, the method comprising: establishing a relative configuration between the optically readable security element and the image capturing device, such that an illumination intensity gradient is present across the optically readable security element; reading the optically readable security element using the illumination intensity gradient, such that reading of different regions of the optically readable security element is undertaken with different illumination intensities, determining the relative configuration between the optically readable security element and the image capturing device; during or following reading the optically readable security element, determining a measured response of the optically readable security element to the illumination; and comparing the measured response with an expected response of the optically readable security element to the illumination, the expected response being established based on the determined relative configuration.
G07D 7/0043 - Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of valuable papers or for segregating those which are unacceptable, e.g. banknotes that are alien to a currency using digital security elements, e.g. information coded on a magnetic thread or strip using barcodes
G07D 7/12 - Visible light, infrared or ultraviolet radiation
G07D 7/202 - Testing patterns thereon using pattern matching
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
G07D 7/00 - Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of valuable papers or for segregating those which are unacceptable, e.g. banknotes that are alien to a currency
(b) There is provided a method of making an optically readable PDF coating composition, the method comprising increasing the entropy of the coating composition by adding an optically readable material and optionally a solvent to at least two portions of the coating composition and then combining the portions of the coating composition.
H04L 9/32 - Arrangements for secret or secure communicationsNetwork security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system
3.
OPTICALLY READABLE PHYSICAL UNCLONABLE FUNCTIONS ON INORGANIC MATERIALS
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of making an optically readable PUF on a surface of a first material, wherein the first material comprises an inorganic material, the method comprising treating the surface so as to create a plurality of colour centres thereon.
There is provided an article comprising a layer covering a three-dimensional surface of the article, the layer providing a function, and an optically readable PUF in the layer, such that the layer provides the function of enabling authentication of the article. Reading of the optically readable PUF from different perspectives allows the article to be authenticated with different identities from those different perspectives of the three-dimensional surface via the reading.
B42D 25/28 - Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security featuresManufacture thereof characterised by a particular use or purpose for use in medical treatment or therapy
B42D 25/36 - Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery comprising special materials
G06K 19/08 - Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code using markings of different kinds in the same record carrier, e.g. one marking being sensed by optical and the other by magnetic means
G07D 7/12 - Visible light, infrared or ultraviolet radiation
G07D 7/2033 - Matching unique patterns, i.e. patterns that are unique to each individual paper
5.
A METHOD OF CONTROLLING A STATE OF AN OPTICALLY READABLE SECURITY ELEMENT
There is described a method of controlling a switchable optically readable security element (20). The method comprises switching S1 the optically readable security element (20) from a first state (20a) to a second state (20b), such that reading S2 of the optically readable security element (20), using an image capturing device (10), may be undertaken in the first state (20a) or the second state (20b) to extract a first identity from the optically readable security element (20).
G06K 19/06 - Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
6.
A METHOD OF AUTHENTICATING AND PREVENTING SPOOFING OF AN OPTICALLY READABLE SECURITY ELEMENT
There is described a method of authenticating an optically readable security element (20) by an image capturing device (10). The method comprises determining S1 whether a spoofing attempt is taking place by checking for a presence of a display apparatus (40). The presence causes it to be determined that a spoofing attempt is taking place. The method also comprises reading S2 the optically readable security element (20) and verifying S3 the optically readable security element (20) as authentic based on the reading S2 of the optically readable security element and the determining S1 of whether a spoofing attempt is taking place.
G06V 10/60 - Extraction of image or video features relating to illumination properties, e.g. using a reflectance or lighting model
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
There is described a method of monitoring an optically readable security element (20) using an image capturing device (10). The method comprises reading S1 the optically readable security element (20), extracting S2 an identity from the optically readable security element (20), determining S3 context information related to the reading S1 of the optically readable security element (20) and transmitting S4 a signal based on the identity and the context information.
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
G06K 19/06 - Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
8.
A METHOD OF READING AN OPTICALLY READABLE SECURITY ELEMENT TO DISTINGUISH AREAS OF THE ELEMENT
There is described a method of reading an optically readable security element by an image capturing device, wherein the optically readable security element comprises a first area and a second area, the second area comprising an identity, the method comprising: reading the first area as a first reading; reading the second area as a second reading; and using the first reading and the second reading to determine whether a first area-illumination interaction occurring at the first area is different to a second area-illumination interaction occurring at the second area.
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
B42D 25/00 - Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security featuresManufacture thereof
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
9.
A METHOD OF READING AN OPTICALLY READABLE SECURITY ELEMENT COMPRISING A FIRST AREA AND A SECOND AREA
There is described a method of reading an optically readable security element (20), by an image capturing device (10). The optically readable security element (20) comprises a first area (21) and a second area (22). The second area (22) comprises an identity. The method comprises reading S1 the first area (21) as a first reading and reading S2 the second area (22) as a second reading, wherein the second reading is based on the first reading.
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
10.
METHOD OF DETERMINING COUPLING OF OBJECTS USING AN IMAGE CAPTURING DEVICE
There is described a method of determining coupling of objects using an image capturing device (10). The method comprises, by the image capturing device (10): reading (51) a first optically readable security element (21) proximal to a first object (31), and extracting a first identity from the first optically readable security element (21); reading (52) a second optically readable security element (22) proximal to a second object (32), and extracting a second identity from the second optically readable security element (22); calculating S3 a correspondence between the first identity and the second identity that is indicative of coupling of the first object (21) and the second object (22).
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
11.
METHOD OF READING AN OPTICALLY READABLE SECURITY ELEMENT
There is provided a method of reading an optically readable security element (20) that is proximal to an object (30) using an image capturing device (10). The optically readable security element 20 provides security in relation to the object (30). The method comprises, by the image capturing device (10): reading S1 the optically readable security element (20) and the object (30); extracting S2 an identity from the optically readable security element (20); optically determining S3 an attribute of the object (30); and calculating S4 a correspondence between the identity and the attribute.
G06K 19/06 - Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
G06K 19/08 - Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code using markings of different kinds in the same record carrier, e.g. one marking being sensed by optical and the other by magnetic means
G06K 19/10 - Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code using markings of different kinds in the same record carrier, e.g. one marking being sensed by optical and the other by magnetic means at least one kind of marking being used for authentication, e.g. of credit or identity cards
G06K 19/14 - Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code using markings of different kinds in the same record carrier, e.g. one marking being sensed by optical and the other by magnetic means at least one kind of marking being used for authentication, e.g. of credit or identity cards the marking being sensed by radiation
12.
A METHOD OF DETERMINING AN IDENTITY OF AN OPTICALLY READABLE SECURITY ELEMENT
There is described a method, performed by an image capturing device (10), of determining an identity of optically readable security element (20). The optically readable security element (20) comprises an optically readable first portion (21) encoding a first part of the identity and an optically readable second portion (22) encoding a second part of the identity. The first portion (21) and the second portion (22) are physically separate and moveable with respect to each other. The method comprises reading S1 the optically readable security element (20) by reading the first portion (21) and the second portion (22) and extracting S2 the identity from the optically readable security element (20).
G06K 19/06 - Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
13.
A METHOD OF AUTHENTICATING AN OPTICALLY READABLE SECURITY ELEMENT
There is described a method of authenticating an optically readable security element (20) using an image capturing device (10). The method comprises illuminating S1 the optically readable security element (20) with electromagnetic radiation and reading S2 the optically readable security element (20) based on a response of the optically readable security element (20) to the illuminating S2. At least one of the illuminating S1 and the reading S2 is non-deterministic.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
G07D 7/00 - Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of valuable papers or for segregating those which are unacceptable, e.g. banknotes that are alien to a currency
14.
Alternative approach to the generation of a unique response to a challenge
The disclosure provides a device for generating a unique response to a challenge, the device comprising: a plurality of structures, each structure being able to change from a first distinct state, to a second distinct state, in response to an appropriate input challenge; the device being arranged to facilitate a challenge of the plurality of structures in combination, by changing an input to the plurality of structures in combination, to cause each structure of the plurality of structures to change from the first distinct state, to the second distinct state; as part of the challenge, the device being arranged to facilitate a measurement of an output of the plurality of structures in combination, in response to the input; wherein the unique response is at least indicative of a sequence in which the change in state takes place for each of the plurality of structures, in response to the input.
There is described a method of reading an optically readable security element (200) using an image capturing device (100). The method comprises, by the image capturing device (100): reading S1 the optically readable security element (200); displaying S2 a modified verification target on a viewfinder (120) of the image capturing device (100), wherein the modified verification target is modified with respect to a default verification target; and extracting S3 an identity from the optically readable security element (200) only if the optically readable security element (200) is present in the modified verification target.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
16.
METHOD OF READING AN OPTICALLY READABLE SECURITY ELEMENT
There is described a method of reading an optically readable security element (200) using an image capturing device (100). The method comprises, by the image capturing device (100): reading (S1) the optically readable security element (200); determining (S2) a level of an optical characteristic proximal to the optically readable security element (200), the optical characteristic being distinct from the optically readable security element (200); and extracting (S3) an identity from the optically readable security element (200) only if the level of the optical characteristic is within a predetermined range.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
There is provided a method of making an optically readable PDF coating composition, the method comprising increasing the entropy of the coating composition by adding an optically readable material and optionally a solvent to at least two portions of the coating composition and then combining the portions of the coating composition.
B42D 25/28 - Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security featuresManufacture thereof characterised by a particular use or purpose for use in medical treatment or therapy
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for generating a unique response to a challenge, the device comprising: a plurality of structures, each structure being able to change from a first distinct state, to a second distinct state, in response to an appropriate input challenge; the device being arranged to facilitate a challenge of the plurality of structures in combination, by changing an input to the plurality of structures in combination, to cause each structure of the plurality of structures to change from the first distinct state, to the second distinct state; as part of the challenge, the device being arranged to facilitate a measurement of an output of the plurality of structures in combination, in response to the input; wherein the unique response is at least indicative of a sequence in which the change in state takes place for each of the plurality of structures, in response to the input.
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of deriving information from an optically readable security element, the method comprising: optically reading the optically readable security element, the optically readable security element comprising one or more optically readable structures, optically readable in response to excitation of the one or more optically readable structures, the one or more optically readable structures being arranged to interact with one or more proximal structures of the optically readable security element, the interaction being such that an excitation-emission relationship for the one or more optically readable structures interacting with the one or more proximal structures, is different to an excitation-emission relationship for the one or more optically readable structures and the one or more proximal structures in isolation; the reading comprising: determining data indicative of an optical property of the optically readable security element using first emission electromagnetic radiation, emitted in response to first excitation of the one or more optically readable structures; and deriving the information from the determined data.
G06K 19/06 - Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of deriving information from an optically readable security element, comprising: optically reading the optically readable security element, the optically readable security element comprising at least one optically readable structure, optically readable in response to excitation of the optically readable structure; the reading comprising determining data indicative of an optical property of the optically readable security element using first emission electromagnetic radiation, emitted in response to excitation of the optically readable structure; the deriving information further comprising using the determined data indicative of an optical property, in combination with a temporal excitation-emission relationship related to the optically readable structure, to derive the information.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of making an optically readable element, the method comprising: providing one or more optically readable structures in or on a body, a strain being applied to the one or more optically readable structures as a result of an interaction between the body and the one or more optically readable structures; the one or more optically readable structures each having an intrinsic band structure prior to application of the strain, and wherein the applied strain changes that intrinsic band structure; and wherein the interaction is such that the strain is maintained, after the element has been made, without the need for an external influence.
G06K 19/06 - Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
H01L 33/04 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof characterised by the semiconductor bodies with a quantum effect structure or superlattice, e.g. tunnel junction
G06V 20/80 - Recognising image objects characterised by unique random patterns
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for generating a unique response to a challenge, the device comprising: a plurality of structures, each structure being able to change from a first distinct state, to a second distinct state, in response to an appropriate input challenge; the device being arranged to facilitate a challenge of the plurality of structures in combination, by changing an input to the plurality of structures in combination, to cause each structure of the plurality of structures to change from the first distinct state, to the second distinct state; as part of the challenge, the device being arranged to facilitate a measurement of an output of the plurality of structures in combination, in response to the input; wherein the unique response is at least indicative of a sequence in which the change in state takes place for each of the plurality of structures, in response to the input.
H04L 9/32 - Arrangements for secret or secure communicationsNetwork security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system
23.
A METHOD, APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR CHALLENGING A PHYSICAL UNCLONABLE FUNCTION DEVICE
The PUF device is arranged to generate a unique response to a challenge. The method comprises accessing, by a first computing apparatus, a storage network in which transaction records are stored in at least one distributed ledger (201, 302, 402, 502, 507). The method comprises using, by the first computing apparatus, one or more transaction records in the at least one distributed ledger as an entropy source for generating a challenge for a PUF device (202, 303, 403, 503, 508). The method comprises challenging, by the first computing apparatus, the PUF device using the generated challenge so as to generate a challenge response, wherein the PUF device is provided at a physical location associated with the first computing apparatus (203, 304, 404, 504, 509). A computing apparatus for challenging the PUF device and a system comprising the computing apparatus and the PUF device are also provided.
H04L 9/32 - Arrangements for secret or secure communicationsNetwork security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of determining a unique identifier for a security element, the method comprising: optically reading the security element, the security element comprising a number of emitters that are each capable of exhibiting a different emission response to excitation of the number of emitters; the reading comprising determining data indicative of an optical property of the security element using first emission electromagnetic radiation, emitted in response to first excitation of the number of emitters, and determining data indicative of an optical property of the security element using second emission electromagnetic radiation, emitted in response to second, different, excitation of the number of emitters; and the unique identifier being determined from a map of a variation in determined data indicative of an optical property with respect to the excitation of the number of emitters.
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
G06K 7/12 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using a selected wavelength, e.g. to sense red marks and ignore blue marks
G06K 9/00 - Methods or arrangements for reading or recognising printed or written characters or for recognising patterns, e.g. fingerprints
G06K 19/06 - Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
25.
Optical puf and optical reading of a security element
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of determining a unique identifier for a security element, the method comprising: optically reading the security element via a configurable optical filter system, a readable optical transmission property of the filter system varying with respect to a configuration of the filter system; the reading comprising determining data indicative of an optical property of the security element at a first configuration of the filter system, and determining data indicative of an optical property of the security element at a second, different, configuration of the filter system; and the unique identifier being determined from a map of the variation in determined data indicative of an optical property with respect to the configuration of the filter system, wherein the reading is undertaken for multiple locations across the security element at the or each configuration of the filter system, such that the map is a map of the variation in determined data indicative of an optical property across the security element with respect to the configuration of the filter system, and wherein the reading for multiple locations across the security element is undertaken in a single reading step, using a reader with a two-dimensional sensor.
G06K 19/06 - Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
G06K 19/14 - Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code using markings of different kinds in the same record carrier, e.g. one marking being sensed by optical and the other by magnetic means at least one kind of marking being used for authentication, e.g. of credit or identity cards the marking being sensed by radiation
G06K 19/16 - Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code using markings of different kinds in the same record carrier, e.g. one marking being sensed by optical and the other by magnetic means at least one kind of marking being used for authentication, e.g. of credit or identity cards the marking being sensed by radiation the marking being a hologram or diffraction grating
G07D 7/12 - Visible light, infrared or ultraviolet radiation
G09C 1/00 - Apparatus or methods whereby a given sequence of signs, e.g. an intelligible text, is transformed into an unintelligible sequence of signs by transposing the signs or groups of signs or by replacing them by others according to a predetermined system
G09C 5/00 - Ciphering or deciphering apparatus or methods not provided for in other groups of this subclass, e.g. involving the concealment or deformation of graphic data such as designs, written or printed messages
H04L 9/32 - Arrangements for secret or secure communicationsNetwork security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system
26.
Physically unclonable function device, method and apparatus
A physically unclonable function (PUF) device 1 capable of exhibiting a unique quantum mechanical effect as a result of quantum mechanical confinement exhibited by the device 1. The device 1 comprises a group IV semiconductor heterostructure. The group IV semiconductor heterostructure may comprise Silicon/Germanium. The device 1 may comprise a group IV semiconductor resonant tunnelling diode (RTD).
A Si-integrated circuit, method, use, and apparatus are also provided.
H04L 9/32 - Arrangements for secret or secure communicationsNetwork security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system
H01L 29/06 - Semiconductor bodies characterised by the shapes, relative sizes, or dispositions of the semiconductor regions
H01L 29/165 - Semiconductor bodies characterised by the materials of which they are formed including, apart from doping materials or other impurities, only elements of Group IV of the Periodic System in uncombined form including two or more of the elements provided for in group in different semiconductor regions
The system (400) comprises a remote entropy beacon (101 a-101d) comprising a transmitter arranged to broadcast an entropy source signal comprising entropy values. The system (400) comprises an apparatus (103) comprising a receiver (107) arranged to receive the broadcast entropy source signal from the remote entropy beacon (101 a-101d). The apparatus (103) further comprises a controller (107) operable to generate resultant entropy values by combining the broadcast entropy values with entropy values from another entropy source (105), e.g. obtained from a different source to the entropy source used to generate the broadcast entropy values.
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for generating a unique response to a challenge, the device comprising: a plurality of structures, each structure exhibiting quantum mechanical confinement, and each structure being arranged to provide a unique response when challenged with an electrical measurement, the unique response being linked to the atomic makeup of the structure that defines the quantum mechanical confinement; the device being arranged to facilitate a challenge of at least two structures of the plurality in electrical combination to generate the unique response, by facilitating an electrical measurement of an output of the at least two structures of the plurality in electrical combination; the unique response being derivable from the electrical measurement.
G06F 21/73 - Protecting specific internal or peripheral components, in which the protection of a component leads to protection of the entire computer to assure secure computing or processing of information by creating or determining hardware identification, e.g. serial numbers
G09C 1/00 - Apparatus or methods whereby a given sequence of signs, e.g. an intelligible text, is transformed into an unintelligible sequence of signs by transposing the signs or groups of signs or by replacing them by others according to a predetermined system
H04L 9/32 - Arrangements for secret or secure communicationsNetwork security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of making an optically readable element, the method comprising: providing one or more optically readable structures in or on a body, a strain being applied to the one or more optically readable structures as a result of an interaction between the body and the one or more optically readable structures; the one or more optically readable structures each having an intrinsic band structure prior to application of the strain, and wherein the applied strain changes that intrinsic band structure; and wherein the interaction is such that the strain is maintained, after the element has been made, without the need for an external influence.
G06K 19/06 - Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
G06K 9/00 - Methods or arrangements for reading or recognising printed or written characters or for recognising patterns, e.g. fingerprints
30.
DETERMINING A UNIQUE IDENTIFIER FOR AN OPTICALLY READ SECURITY ELEMENT
A method of determining a unique identifier for a security element comprising: one or more optically readable structures in or on a body. The optically readable structures have an intrinsic band structure prior to application of a strain, which changes due to an applied strain. The method comprising: optically reading the security element to determine data indicative of an optical property of the security element when a strain is applied to the body via an external force. The unique identifier is determined from a map of the determined data with respect to the strain. The reading is undertaken for multiple locations across the security element when the strain is applied. The map is a map of the determined data across the security element with respect to the strain. The reading for multiple locations across the security element is undertaken in a single reading step, using a reader with a two-dimensional sensor.
A device for generating a nondeterministic response to a challenge, the device comprising: a structure that exhibits a nondeterministic electrical output response to an electrical input, the device being arranged to facilitate a challenge of the structure to generate the nondeterministic response, by facilitating an electrical measurement of an output of the structure, the nondeterministic response being derivable from that measurement.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, therein is provided a method of determining or generating a unique identifier for a device, the device exhibiting quantum mechanical confinement, the method comprising: measuring a unique quantum mechanical effect of the device that results from the quantum mechanical confinement; and using the measurement to determine or generate the unique identifier.
G06N 10/00 - Quantum computing, i.e. information processing based on quantum-mechanical phenomena
G09C 1/00 - Apparatus or methods whereby a given sequence of signs, e.g. an intelligible text, is transformed into an unintelligible sequence of signs by transposing the signs or groups of signs or by replacing them by others according to a predetermined system
H04L 9/32 - Arrangements for secret or secure communicationsNetwork security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of determining a unique identifier for a security element, the method comprising: optically reading the security element, the security element comprising a number of emitters that are each capable of exhibiting a different emission response to excitation of the number of emitters; the reading comprising determining data indicative of an optical property of the security element using first emission electromagnetic radiation, emitted in response to first excitation of the number of emitters, and determining data indicative of an optical property of the security element using second emission electromagnetic radiation, emitted in response to second, different, excitation of the number of emitters; and the unique identifier being determined from a map of a variation in determined data indicative of an optical property with respect to the excitation of the number of emitters.
G06K 9/00 - Methods or arrangements for reading or recognising printed or written characters or for recognising patterns, e.g. fingerprints
G06K 7/12 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using a selected wavelength, e.g. to sense red marks and ignore blue marks
G06K 19/06 - Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
34.
PHYSICALLY UNCLONABLE FUNCTION DEVICE, METHOD AND APPARATUS
A physically unclonable function (PUF) device 1 capable of exhibiting a unique quantum mechanical effect as a result of quantum mechanical confinement exhibited by the device 1. The device 1 comprises a group IV semiconductor heterostructure. The group IV semiconductor heterostructure may comprise Silicon/Germanium. The device 1 may comprise a group IV semiconductor resonant tunnelling diode (RTD). A Si-integrated circuit, method, use, and apparatus are also provided.
H04L 9/32 - Arrangements for secret or secure communicationsNetwork security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system
H01L 23/00 - Details of semiconductor or other solid state devices
H01L 29/165 - Semiconductor bodies characterised by the materials of which they are formed including, apart from doping materials or other impurities, only elements of Group IV of the Periodic System in uncombined form including two or more of the elements provided for in group in different semiconductor regions
A single-photon light source (2) comprises a photonic crystal structure the lattice of which extends in at least two dimensions and includes a crystal defect defining an optical waveguide (13) for guiding optical radiation emitted within the photonic crystal. An electric field generator (3) is operable to apply an electric field to the photonic crystal. A light emitter selected from: a quantum dot; a quantum well; a light-emitting diode (LED), is arranged within the photonic crystal for responding to the electric field to acquire an excited state and by decaying from the excited state thereby emitting optical radiation into the photonic crystal for guiding by the optical waveguide. The single-photon light source may be used as part of a quantum key distribution transmitter. An integrated single-photon detector (64) is disclosed as part of a quantum key distribution receiver.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of determining a unique identifier for a security element, the method comprising: optically reading the security element via a configurable optical filter system, a readable optical transmission property of the filter system varying with respect to a configuration of the filter system;the reading comprising determining data indicative of an optical property of the security element at a first configuration of the filter system, and determining data indicative of an optical property of the security element at a second, different, configuration of the filter system; and the unique identifier being determined from a map of the variation in determined data indicative of an optical property with respect to the configuration of the filter system,wherein the reading is undertaken for multiple locations across the security element at the or each configuration of the filter system, such that the map is a map of the variation in determined data indicative of an optical property across the security element with respect to the configuration of the filter system, and wherein the reading for multiple locations across the security element is undertaken in a single reading step, using a reader with a two-dimensional sensor.
G09C 1/00 - Apparatus or methods whereby a given sequence of signs, e.g. an intelligible text, is transformed into an unintelligible sequence of signs by transposing the signs or groups of signs or by replacing them by others according to a predetermined system
G09C 5/00 - Ciphering or deciphering apparatus or methods not provided for in other groups of this subclass, e.g. involving the concealment or deformation of graphic data such as designs, written or printed messages
H04L 9/32 - Arrangements for secret or secure communicationsNetwork security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system
Unique Identifier According to a first aspect of the present invention, therein is provided a method of determining or generating a unique identifier for a device, the device exhibiting quantum mechanical confinement, the method comprising: measuring a unique quantum mechanical effect of the device that results from the quantum mechanical confinement; and using the measurement to determine or generate the unique identifier.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
16 - Paper, cardboard and goods made from these materials
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
45 - Legal and security services; personal services for individuals.
Goods & Services
Checking (supervision) apparatus and instruments;
authentication apparatus and equipment; security apparatus
and devices; security devices for use in authentication of
objects; anti-counterfeit security apparatus and devices;
anti-counterfeit security tags; electronic security
apparatus and devices; electronic security tags; optical
security apparatus and devices; optical security tags;
security control apparatus; electronic security systems;
optical security systems; security tokens; identification
labels (machine readable); identification labels (encoded);
encryption apparatus and devices; encryption software; parts
and fittings for the aforesaid. Printed matter; paper and cardboard; plastic sheets, films
and bags for wrapping and packaging. Scientific and technological services and research and
design relating thereto in the field of authentication,
security and anti-counterfeiting; testing, authentication
and quality control; encryption, decryption and
authentication of information, messages and data;
information, advice and consultancy in relation to the
aforesaid. Security services for the physical protection of tangible
property; security marking of goods; security marking of
documents; security inspection services for others;
information, advice and consultancy in relation to the
aforesaid.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
16 - Paper, cardboard and goods made from these materials
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
45 - Legal and security services; personal services for individuals.
Goods & Services
Checking (supervision) apparatus and instruments;
authentication apparatus and equipment; security apparatus
and devices; security devices for use in authentication of
objects; anti-counterfeit security apparatus and devices;
anti-counterfeit security tags; electronic security
apparatus and devices; electronic security tags; optical
security apparatus and devices; optical security tags;
security control apparatus; electronic security systems;
optical security systems; security tokens; identification
labels (machine readable); identification labels (encoded);
encryption apparatus and devices; encryption software; parts
and fittings for the aforesaid. Printed matter; paper and cardboard; plastic sheets, films
and bags for wrapping and packaging. Scientific and technological services and research and
design relating thereto in the field of authentication,
security and anti-counterfeiting; testing, authentication
and quality control; encryption, decryption and
authentication of information, messages and data;
information, advice and consultancy in relation to the
aforesaid. Security services for the physical protection of tangible
property; security marking of goods; security marking of
documents; security inspection services for others;
information, advice and consultancy in relation to the
aforesaid.
40.
RELIABLE RESPONSE EXTRACTION FOR MEMORIES BASED PUF
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device arranged to provide a specific output in response to a specific input, the device comprising: a physical unclonable function, arranged to be challenged with an input and to provide an output in response to that input; the device being arranged to facilitate the detection of a unique output of the physical unclonable function, by a detection arrangement, in response to the specific input; an offset arrangement, configured to receive the unique output, and provide a specific offset to the unique output, in order to provide the specific output of the device in response to the specific input to the device.
G09C 1/00 - Apparatus or methods whereby a given sequence of signs, e.g. an intelligible text, is transformed into an unintelligible sequence of signs by transposing the signs or groups of signs or by replacing them by others according to a predetermined system
A device for generating a nondeterministic response to a challenge, the device comprising: a structure that exhibits a nondeterministic electrical output response to an electrical input, the device being arranged to facilitate a challenge of the structure to generate the nondeterministic response, by facilitating an electrical measurement of an output of the structure, the nondeterministic response being derivable from that measurement.
GENERATING A NONDETERMINISTIC TO A CHALLENGE According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided adevice for generating a nondeterministic responseto a challenge, the device comprising:a plurality of structures, each structure exhibiting quantum mechanical confinement, and each structure being arranged to provide a unique response when challenged with an electrical measurement, the unique response being linked to the atomic makeup of the structure that defines the quantum mechanical confinement; the device being arranged to facilitate a challenge of a structure of the plurality, by facilitating an electrical measurement of an output of the structure;the nondeterministic response being derivable from the electrical measurement. Fig.
H04L 9/32 - Arrangements for secret or secure communicationsNetwork security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system
G06F 7/58 - Random or pseudo-random number generators
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for generating a unique response to a challenge, the device comprising: a plurality of structures, each structure exhibiting quantum mechanical confinement, and each structure being arranged to provide a unique response when challenged with an electrical measurement, the unique response being linked to the atomic makeup of the structure that defines the quantum mechanical confinement; the device being arranged to facilitate a challenge of at least two structures of the plurality in electrical combination to generate the unique response, by facilitating an electrical measurement of an output of theat least two structures of the plurality in electrical combination;the unique response being derivable from the electrical measurement.
H04L 9/32 - Arrangements for secret or secure communicationsNetwork security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system
G06F 21/73 - Protecting specific internal or peripheral components, in which the protection of a component leads to protection of the entire computer to assure secure computing or processing of information by creating or determining hardware identification, e.g. serial numbers
An authentication device (20) comprises one or more flakes of a substantially two-dimensional material (14). The one or more flakes of the substantially two-dimensional material (14) have an operative area configured to emit, by non-resonant photoluminescence, electromagnetic radiation with a property that varies with position in the operative area.
G07D 7/202 - Testing patterns thereon using pattern matching
G07D 7/12 - Visible light, infrared or ultraviolet radiation
G07D 7/2033 - Matching unique patterns, i.e. patterns that are unique to each individual paper
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
G06K 19/10 - Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code using markings of different kinds in the same record carrier, e.g. one marking being sensed by optical and the other by magnetic means at least one kind of marking being used for authentication, e.g. of credit or identity cards
An authentication device (20) comprises one or more flakes of a substantially two- dimensional material (14). The one or more flakes of the substantially two- dimensional material (14) have an operative area configured to emit, by non- resonant photoluminescence, electromagnetic radiation with a property that varies with position in the operative area.
Unique Identifier According to a first aspect of the present invention, therein is provided a method of determining or generating a unique identifier for a device, the device exhibiting quantum mechanical confinement, the method comprising: measuring a unique quantum mechanical effect of the device that results from the quantum mechanical confinement; and using the measurement to determine or generate the unique identifier.
G09C 1/00 - Apparatus or methods whereby a given sequence of signs, e.g. an intelligible text, is transformed into an unintelligible sequence of signs by transposing the signs or groups of signs or by replacing them by others according to a predetermined system
H04L 9/32 - Arrangements for secret or secure communicationsNetwork security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system
