FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The embodiment herein generally relates to the field of designing number plate security apparatus. More specifically, the invention provides a counterfeit proof security system for number plate and a method for creating unique identification of number plates that are physically and digitally verifiable both in online and offline mode.

BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART

[0002] Nowadays, vehicle number plates are manufactured using plastics, metals and by way of painting, embossing, punching holes etc on to the substrate. But a very few number plate designs are provided with retro reflective films, holograms, carbon overlay transfer films, embossed letters, custom character inscription and laser etched alpha numerical data and a mechanical means to affix them on the vehicles.

[0003] It is important to note that these number plates do not offer conclusive evidence in case of disputes due to ownership of number plates and vehicles on which they are affixed and its authorized issuers. There have been instances of replacements without permissions/approvals from concerned authorities; insurance claims using fake, duplicate and/or lookalike number plates and so on. Although the existing number plates provide certain levels of security, they are compromised easily due to lack of counterfeit proof security features.

[0004] To overcome the above limitations a new process, method is required to provide multilayered security features. The multilayer security features are provided on number plates that enables on spot / online / offline verification, authentication and detection of genuine, original and authority approved counterfeit proof security apparatus for number plates.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need to develop a counterfeit proof security system for number plate with security features that can be verified on spot either by online or offline mode. Further, there is a need to develop a method for forming the multilayer counterfeit proof name plate enclosure.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Some of the objects of the present disclosure are described herein below:

[0007] A main object of the present invention is to provide a counterfeit proof security system for name / number plate as an enclosure along with a manufacturing method.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a counterfeit proof security system for name / number plate with a special security features for verifying on the spot using either online or offline verification through portable, mobile and fixed readers/ devices.

[0009] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a counterfeit proof security system for name / number plate with an adhesive based retro- reflective film with Nano Tag/micro dot embedded frame on to the sheet/film. That is, the retro reflective film can have a self adhesive capability.

[00010] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a counterfeit proof security system for the name / number plate with a retro-reflective film that is perforated with unique ID which contains alpha - numeric characters.

[00011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a counterfeit proof security system for name / number plate with embossed characters according to a user requirement for visual verification. [00012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a counterfeit proof security system for name / number plate with a voice activated inscriptions which can be decrypted by a data extraction apparatus such as custom designed decryption Apparatus / Mobile app that reads out the embedded content.

[00013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a counterfeit proof security system for name / number plate which a base plate made of any material such as Aluminum / steel / plastics / paper substrates of various thicknesses.

[00014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a counterfeit proof security system for name / number plate with a multi colored retro-reflective film/ holograms/ OVD.

[00015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a counterfeit proof security system for name / number plate incorporated with an electronic verification techniques such as QR code or RFID, NFC and so on.

[00016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a counterfeit proof security system for name / number plate that can be authenticated using a portable and / or fixed reader and mobile Application that is custom designed with administrative controls to ensure hierarchical secure data dissemination.

[00017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a counterfeit proof security system for name / number plate with track and trace features that enables miscellaneous data access reports that is, by providing geo location and time stamps for verification of original information provided by the issuers connected with name / number plates.

[00018] The other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated for illustration of preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[00019] In view of the foregoing, an embodiment herein provides a counterfeit proof security system for name / number plate and a manufacturing method thereof. The counterfeit proof security system for name / number plate (herein after referred as 'name / number plate Enclosure ') is incorporated with special security features for verifying its genuinity "on the spot" using either online or offline verification by digital and physical means. Further, the name / number plate can also be verified digitally through electronic means such as QR code verification. The counterfeit proof security system comprise of enclosure on existing number base plate, a self-adhesive retro-reflective film, and a transparent film embedded with client specific content on Nano tags / micro dots. The adhesive based retro -reflective film is embedded with the Nano tag/micro dot and that is fused with the base plate. The retro -reflective film can be printed with client insignia (for example characters, numbers, and logos as required). The enclosure along with name/ number plate can be fixed on to the vehicle or any other place of interest on vehicles using snap locks, screws to avoid theft.

[00020] According to an embodiment, the retro-reflective film (RRF) is laser etched or perforated with unique ID which contains alpha - numeric characters. The perforation of the unique ID over the RRF is performed using a laser or mechanical process. The RRF is embossed with user-specific characters according to the requirement for visual verification. Further, the name / number plate is fused with a carbon films with client specific content on the raised contours of the number plates to enhance its visibility on RRF films. The enclosure mounted on name / number plate can be authenticated using a portable and/ or fixed reader and/ or mobile App that is custom designed with administrative controls to ensure hierarchical data dissemination.

[00021] The counterfeit proof security system for name / number plate can be provided with track and trace features. This feature can enable data access reports by providing geo location and time stamps for verification of original number plates. The security enclosure on name / number plate can also provided with a voice activated inscriptions which can be decrypted by a data extraction apparatus such as custom designed decryption Apparatus / mobile App that reads out the secure embedded content. The base plate can be made of materials such as Aluminum / steel / plastics / paper substrates of various thicknesses. Further, the name / number plate are provided with a multi colored retro -reflective film.

[00022] According to an embodiment, the counterfeit proof security system for name / number plate comprises of a base plate, a retro reflective film, voice encrypted inscriptions, an IND and alternate client specific inscription, a holographic film, an unique ID, user-specific characters, a snap lock / screw for locking the number plate on to a surface of the vehicle, a transparent film, nano tags, a case/ enclosure, a high tack adhesive on the enclosure to be mounted on name/number plates.

[00023] According to an embodiment, the client specific nano tags are embedded on the security enclosure, retro-reflective film and/ or on the transparent film. The nano tags are custom designed according to the user requirement. According to an embodiment, the security enclosure and retro-reflective film embedded with nano tags is fused with the base plate. According to an embodiment, the holographic film based QR code is fused on the retro -reflective film by laser etching. The QR code provided on security apparatus is encrypted and the encrypted data for the QR code is generated and stored in a server. According to an embodiment, the unique ID is perforated over the retro-reflective film by laser etching. The unique ID includes alpha- numeric characters. Further, the retro-reflective film is embossed with the user-specific characters for visual verification. The user- specific characters include characters, numbers and logos. According to an embodiment, the voice encrypted inscriptions are embedded on retro -reflective film and are decrypted using data extraction apparatus. The data extraction apparatus are custom designed decryption apparatus or reader or mobile application.

[00024] According to an embodiment, a case or enclosure is provided on top area of the retro-reflective film for mounting a communication device. The communication device is connected to a mobile device to extract unique encoded contents provided by the users. According to an embodiment, a high tack adhesive (glue) configured to bind the communication device within the case on the top area of the retro -reflective film and base plate to prevent tampering. According to an embodiment, an opaque surface on film mounted on top of the snap lock to protect the visibility of the snap lock. According to an embodiment, the security enclosure embedded with nano tags are overlaid on top of the case / enclosure and the opaque surfaces for protecting the number plate. The number plate verification through electronic means is done by physical and digital verification of QR code and/ or verification of voice encrypted inscriptions and/ or communication of unique encoded contents to the mobile device by the communication device. The number plate verification through non-electronic means include visual verification of custom designed nano tags / markers using magnifying apparatus. [00025] According to an embodiment, a method for creating unique identification of security apparatus enclosure on name /number plates that are physically and digitally verifiable both in online and offline mode comprising the steps of, cutting the base substrate into required size according to the client requirement; embedding the retro reflective films (RRF) (with adhesive back) with Nano Tags (Micro Dots) embedded on surface; printing the RRF with client insignia (Characters, Numbers, Logos) as required; fusing the RRF sheet with voice activated inscriptions or printed with client content; fusing the RRF on to the base substrates and making as a semi-finished sheet; Laser etching and/ or perforating the fused sheet (semi-finished) with unique serial numbers / text by way of laser or other mechanical processes; punching the fused sheet with dies to form a suitable form (base plate/s) with corners and edges smoothened to avoid injuries to users; embossing the semi-finished sheet with client specific numbers/ text; fusing the carbon films with client specific content on the raised contours of the number plates; and punching the embossed plates with holes for mounting on to the vehicle.

[00026] According to an embodiment, the method for creating unique identification of security enclosure on number plates further comprising the step of, scanning and uploading data of the number plates to servers; converting the uploaded images to an encrypted QR code; and printing the encrypted QR code on the finished number plate using Laser Etching processes and/ or by means of holographic substrate/ films. According to a preferred embodiment, the method for creating unique identification of number plates includes connecting a communication device to a mobile device for extracting the unique encoded contents provided by the issuer/s. [00027] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[00028] The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items.

[00029] Fig.1 illustrates an exemplary model of a counterfeit proof security system for name / number plate, according to an embodiment herein;

[00030] Fig. 2.1 illustrates an top view of the a counterfeit proof security system for name /number plate, according to an embodiment herein;

[00031] Fig. 2.2 illustrates the side view of the a counterfeit proof security system for name /number plate, according to an embodiment herein; and

[00032] Fig. 3 illustrates a security enclosure on case / enclosure provided on top area of the retro -reflective film and base plate for mounting a communication device, according to an embodiment herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[00033] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well- known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

[00034] As mentioned above, there is a need to develop a counterfeit proof security system to be mounted on the name / number plate with security features that can be verified on spot either by online or offline mode. Further, there is a need to develop a method for forming the counterfeit proof security system and thereby to be mounted on the name / number plate. The embodiments herein achieve this by providing a counterfeit proof security system on the name / number plate and a manufacturing method thereof to manufacture a counterfeit proof security system on name / number plate. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Fig.l through Fig. 3, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown preferred embodiments.

[00035] According to an embodiment, the counterfeit proof security system on proof name / number plate (herein after referred as 'name / number plate Enclosure') is incorporated with special security features for verifying the genuinity / originality on the spot using either online or offline verification. Further, the counterfeit proof security system on the name / number plate can also be verified digitally through electronic means such as QR code verification. The base plate can be made of materials such as Aluminum / steel / plastics / paper substrates of various thicknesses. Further, the security enclosure on name / number plate is provided with a multi colored retro-reflective film.

[00036] Fig.1 illustrates an exemplary model of counterfeit proof security system on name plate 100, according to an embodiment. According to an embodiment, the counterfeit proof security system for number plate comprises of a base plate 101, a retro reflective film 102, voice encrypted inscriptions 103, an IND and alternate client specific inscription 104, a holographic film 105, an unique ID 106, user-specific characters 107, a snap lock 108 for locking the number plate on to a surface of the vehicle, a transparent film 109, nano tags, a case 301, a high tack adhesive t 302 and an opaque film 110. According to an embodiment, the nano tags / micro dots with client specific content are embedded on the security enclosure and retro-reflective film 102 and/or on the transparent and or opaque film based enclosure. The nanotags / microtags are custom designed according to the user requirement. According to an embodiment, the retro -reflective film 102 embedded with nano tags are fused with the base plate 101. According to an embodiment, the holographic film based QR code 105 is fused on the retro- reflective film 102 by laser etching. The QR code 105 is encrypted and the encrypted data for the QR code 105 is stored in a server. According to an embodiment, the unique ID 106 is perforated over the retro -reflective film 106 by laser etching. The unique ID 106 includes alpha-numeric characters. Further, the retro-reflective film 102 is embossed with user-specific characters 107 for visual verification. The user-specific characters 107 include characters, numbers and logos. According to an embodiment, the voice encrypted inscriptions 103 are embedded on retro -reflective film 102 and are decrypted using data extraction apparatus. The data extraction apparatus are custom designed decryption apparatus or reader or mobile application.

[00037] Fig. 2.1 illustrates a top view of the counterfeit proof security system for number plate, according to an embodiment. The top view of the counterfeit proof security system on the name /number plate shows the Nano tag / micro dots embedded transparent film 109 overlaid on the case/ enclosure and opaque surface for protecting the name / number plate. According to an embodiment, the nano tag embedded transparent film 109 along with a communication device embedded in a case / enclosure, an opaque surface and the retro reflective film with security features can be placed and / or affixed on a surface of the vehicle directly with keeping the base material or substrate.

[00038] Fig. 2.2 illustrates the side view of the counterfeit proof security system on the name /number plate, according to an embodiment. The side view of the counterfeit proof security system on the name /number plate shows the layered view of name/ number plate. The opaque surface 110 provided on top of the snap lock / screws to protect the visibility of the snap lock / screws 108. The Nano tag embedded transparent film overlaid over the opaque surface and a security case / enclosure with high tack adhesive can also act as a barrier to tampering, since once the number plates are fixed on to the vehicle with snap locks / screws or by way of any other securing means, this overlay security case / enclosure can prevent removal of the plates without destructing either the Nano tag embedded transparent film 109 or security enclosure on number plates. According to an embodiment, the counterfeit proof security system on the name / number plate can be verified through electronic means or through non-electronic means. In the electronic means of verification, the name / number plate can be verified digitally using mobile Apps.

[00039] Accordingly, the QR codes are verified using mobile Apps. The mobile app is used to scan the QR code which displays the image of the original number plate that is uploaded by authorized issuer of the security enclosure on name / number plate. The mobile Apps activation for scanned images is stored as part of management information system (MIS). The MIS includes the details of latitude, longitude, time stamps for geo location verification along with other information of the vehicle. The MIS is generated and limited to the authorized subscribers to ensure security of data breaches along with the option of track & trace.

[00040] According to an embodiment, the counterfeit proof security system on the name / number plate can also be verified through non-electronic means. The Nano tags (Micro dots) are verified by magnifying apparatus viz. hand held microscopes, jewelers' loupe, mobile phones attached with suitable magnifying apparatus. The voice encrypted inscription and/or prints are subjected to read through by a data extraction apparatus (for example custom designed decryption apparatus). The data extraction apparatus can read out the embedded content. The embedded voice contents are of vernacular languages.

[00041] Fig. 3 illustrates a case 301 provided on top area of the retro -reflective film for mounting a communication device, according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to an embodiment, a security case / enclosure 301 is provided on top area of the retro -reflective surface 102 covering the snap lock / screws and for mounting a security enclosure with communication device. The communication device is linked to a mobile device to extract unique encoded contents provided by the issuer/s. According to an embodiment, the communication device comprises of Blue tooth low energy and/or Radio frequency circuitry with and/ or without built in power source. The communication device is paired with the mobile device to extract unique encoded content provided by the issuer/s. According to an embodiment, a high tack adhesive 302 configured to bind the communication device within the security case / enclosure on the top area of the retro-reflective film 102 and base plate 101 to prevent tampering. According to an embodiment, an opaque surface 110 mounted on top of the snap lock 108 to protect the visibility of the snap lock/ screws 108. According to an embodiment, the transparent film 109 embedded with nano tags are overlaid on the case / enclosure and the opaque surface 110 for protecting the number plate from tampering and any tampering resulting in destruction of the case / enclosure and number plate retro reflective surface 102. The security enclosure on number plate verification through electronic means are by verification of QR code and/ or verification of voice encrypted inscriptions and/ or communication of vehicle details to the mobile device by the communication device,. The security enclosure on number plate verification through non-electronic means include visual verification of custom nanotags / markers using magnifying apparatus.

[00042] According to a preferred embodiment, the method for creating unique identification of security enclosure on number plates includes connecting a communication device to a mobile device for extracting the unique encoded contents provided by the issuer.

[00043] A main advantage of the present invention is that a counterfeit proof security system is provided for the number plate along with a manufacturing method. [00044] Another advantage of the present invention is that the counterfeit proof security system on the number plate provides special security features for verifying on the spot using either online or offline verification through portable, mobile and fixed readers/ devices.

[00045] Still another advantage of the present invention is that the counterfeit proof security system on the number plate is provided with an adhesive based case / enclosure with nano Tag/micro dot embedded on to the sheet/film. As also, the retro reflective film can also have nanotags / microdots and both having high tack adhesive capability.

[00046] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the counterfeit proof security system on the number plate is provided with a retro-reflective film that is perforated with unique ID which contains alpha - numeric characters.

[00047] Another advantage of the present invention is that the counterfeit proof security system on number plate with is provided with embossed characters according to a user requirement for visual verification.

[00048] Another advantage of the present invention is that the counterfeit proof security system on number plate is provided with a voice activated inscriptions which can be decrypted by a data extraction apparatus such as custom designed decryption Apparatus / Mobile app that reads out the embedded content.

[00049] Another advantage of the present invention is that the number plate is provided with a multi colored retro -reflective film/ holograms/ OVD.

[00050] Another advantage of the present invention is that the security enclosure on the number plate is incorporated with electronic verification techniques such as QR code or RFID and so on. [00051] Another advantage of the present invention is that the counterfeit proof security system on the number plate is authenticated using a portable and fixed reader and mobile App that is custom designed with administrative controls to ensure hierarchical data dissemination.

[00052] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.