Device and method for scanning the physical signature data of a physical unclonable function with a smartphone

Abstract

Unique physical unclonable function objects are created by molding pre-magnetized or post-magnetized particles into a resin. The particles form a unique physical 'fingerprint' based on the random particle size, position, polar rotation, magnetization level, particle density, etc. This invention addresses devices for accurately measuring the physical fingerprint of a PUF, specifically including the X, Y, & Z components of the magnetic field at enough discrete points on the PUF to allow a confident recognition of the identification. A structural element to which a PUF tag is affixed is described that may be used to scan the PUF tag with a smartphone magnetometer by swiping the structural element along the side of the phone and controlling the position of the PUF tag with guides.