Eric Kahrs

Title: Innovations in Security: The Contributions of Eric Kahrs

Introduction

Eric Kahrs is an accomplished inventor based in Phoenix, AZ, known for his innovative contributions to security technology. With a total of five patents to his name, Kahrs has made significant strides in the field of optical security features.

Latest Patents

Kahrs' latest patents include a security feature utilizing printed LEDs and wavelength conversion material. In one embodiment, a printed security mark consists of a random arrangement of printed LEDs and a wavelength conversion layer. During the fabrication of this mark, the LEDs are energized, creating a unique dot pattern that is converted into a digital first code and stored in a database. The emitted spectrum versus intensity and persistence of the wavelength conversion layer is also encoded in this first code. This mark can be applied to various objects such as credit cards, casino chips, banknotes, and passports for authentication purposes. For authenticating the mark, the LEDs are energized, and the dot pattern, spectrum versus intensity, and persistence are converted into a code that is compared to the first code stored in the database. If there is a match, the mark is authenticated.

Another of his patents involves printed LEDs and a wavelength conversion area on objects to provide an optical security feature. In this embodiment, an authentication area on a portable object comprises a random arrangement of printed LEDs and a wavelength conversion layer. The object to be authenticated may include credit cards, casino chips, or other items. When the LEDs are energized during the authentication process, the emitted spectrum and/or persistence of the wavelength conversion layer is detected and encoded in a first code, which is then compared to valid codes stored in the database. If there is a match, the object is authenticated. The LED power may be remotely inductively coupled, allowing the LEDs to flash while the wavelength conversion layer emission slowly decays during optical detection. The flash of blue LED light may be emitted from the edges of the object, acting as a light guide to provide optical feedback to the user that the object is being authenticated.

Career Highlights

Kahrs is currently employed at Nthdegree Technologies Worldwide Inc., where he continues to develop innovative security solutions. His work has positioned him as a key figure in the advancement of optical security technologies.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Kahrs has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Steven B. Roach and Richard A. Blanchard